There are moments in life that test your strength, faith and endurance in ways you never imagined. My family is in the midst of one of those moments right now, walking through the ongoing challenges of my son Ryan’s medical condition.
It’s been overwhelming at times, unthinkably heavy and humbling. There have been days when we weren’t sure what to do next. Days when it felt like we were running on empty, carrying more than we knew how to hold. And yet … we have not walked this road alone.
Because this community, Toluca Lake, has surrounded us with love, care, encouragement and support. Neighbors, friends, colleagues and even acquaintances have stepped in, lifted us and reminded us of one of life’s greatest truths: We are stronger together.
From meals dropped at our doorstep to prayers offered quietly and out loud …
From thoughtful messages of support to generous donations for Ryan’s care …
From introductions to key medical professionals to the simple but powerful gift of showing up …
You have carried us.
You have made us feel seen, supported and held.
And from the bottom of my heart, I want to say: Thank you.
I’ve always believed in the value of community. Connection is one of my core values — what I call a lighthouse value — because it guides the way I aspire to live and serve. But never has that belief felt more real than now.
Many of the people who have shown up for us during this difficult season are friends I met through community involvement, including through the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, Turkey Trot and Fall Festival planning committee, our Neighborhood Watch and block events, and simply from being a present, engaged neighbor on our little stretch of this amazing village.
What began as shared work to make Toluca Lake a better place — to protect, enhance and serve the neighborhood we love — has blossomed into something far deeper: real friendships, real connection and a support system that holds strong when life gets hard.
This experience has reminded me of something powerful: When you give to your community, it gives back in ways you’ll never expect.
Not always immediately. Not always obviously. But it will.
In moments of joy and in moments of need, the roots you’ve planted through service, kindness and connection will rise up to hold you.
So if you’re reading this and wondering how to find connection in your life, I encourage you to lean in, show up and get involved.
Find a way to serve — whether it’s volunteering at an event, attending a Neighborhood Watch meeting, helping plan the next Turkey Trot or simply introducing yourself to someone new on your block.
What starts as service becomes belonging.
What starts as involvement becomes friendship.
And what starts as giving becomes receiving — when you need it most.
To my Toluca Lake neighbors, friends and fellow volunteers: thank you for being the living, breathing heart of this community. You didn’t just remind my family that we’re not alone — you proved it.
I’ll never forget it. And I’ll keep paying it forward.