Color me vulnerable.

Label me introspective.

It sure has been a week.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about the past decade in the Pacific Palisades.

My soul aches for the loss of life, normalcy, homes, security.

My daily life in the Palisades has been obliterated…where I bought groceries, my dry cleaners, bank, coffee shop, UPS, gas station, my favorite breakfast spot, bagel store, nail salon.

I am alone in Florida and believe me so very thankful that I did not have to evacuate and find housing and a safe place.

Contemplating the state of things in my life, I am both amazed and frankly disappointed at my alleged friends reaction to our plight.

People I really did not imagine reaching out have so thoughtfully contacted us.

Friends and, now I use the word loosely, who I imagined cared, I have only heard silence.

One friend in particular who I have generously been there for through very tough times, I have not heard word one from.

So, again, another valuable lesson learned.

Despite this time of devastating loss, I will not change who I am. I was brought up to be a caring, thoughtful individual. Happy, sad or difficult times I will still reach out to friends, acquaintances, relatives who I have little contact with, yet wish them well, business associates.

Moving forward I will be even more guarded.

I am the luckiest person to have a kind, loving, thoughtful, supportive family unit.

But, as with our present political situation, I am mystified by human nature.

Alrighty then, if you can find it in your heart and pocketbook, please consider donating to these worthwhile organizations:

• California Fire Foundation
• L.A. Fire Department
• American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
• World Central Kitchen
• Best Friends Animal Society
• donate clothes and food.

Be Kind, Do Better, reach out to someone during tough times…just an email, text, social media comment with a short message, “I’m thinking of you!”

It means the world and probably adds up to 10 seconds of your life which you really don’t need back.

Kindness and thoughtfulness are never overrated.