Gains Outweighed the Losses From Laguna Fire

* Re “Trimming Trees--but Not the Determination” (editorial, Dec. 25):

I want to thank you for your sensitivity in writing about my gesture of hope and renewal when I put up the Christmas tree in my burned-out home.

There is not a day that passes that I don’t reach for a possession lost forever. There is not a day that goes by without my being thankful for all I have.

That in this great loss I have gained so much: a greater sense of community, the closeness and love of friends and the overwhelming generosity of strangers.

And to all those friends and strangers, I would like to say thank you!

JUDITH DuROCHER

Laguna Beach