After their home burned to the ground, good Samaritans helped them sort through the rubble and found the melted remnants of their wedding rings. But Liz’s diamond remained intact.
Hipolito said it was that moment he knew what his plan would be.
“From that point on, I knew I had to put money aside a little bit from (rebuilding) the home and I was able to do it,” he said.
Liz said it was a complete surprise when he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him all over again.
“We’re going to remarry each other, can’t wait for that,” she said. She said the ring carries even more significance now – the three stones in the new ring represent the couple’s three children.
Their message for their Altadena community: “Keep hope. Keep the faith,” Liz said.
“Keep going, we know it’s a big hurdle we have to go through. Just lean on each other. Lean on your community. Reach out to each other. We will get there. We will eventually get there,” Hipolito said.
They plan to renew their vows in the new home they are currently working on rebuilding.
Liz said Wednesday, the one-year mark since the Eaton Fire, was an emotional and difficult day, but she’s happy there’s been progress. Hipolito agreed, saying he’s just looking forward to bringing his family back into their home and reconnecting with his neighbors.
