> At a Glance
> – Hajime White’s father and brother died in California’s Eaton wildfire
> – Christmas gift plays father’s final voicemail message
> – Stuffed frog contains only surviving recording of his voice
> Why it matters: Shows how families preserve memories after wildfire tragedy
One year after California’s Eaton wildfire claimed her father and brother, Hajime White received a Christmas gift that contains the only surviving recording of her father’s voice. The stuffed frog plays his final voicemail message.
The Christmas Gift
White’s daughters gave her a green stuffed frog that plays her father’s last voicemail when squeezed. Anthony Mitchell, 68, and his son Justin, 35, died when the wildfire engulfed their Altadena home.
The frog contains the only surviving recording of his voice:
> “Merry Christmas and I love you”
White keeps the frog close, along with other mementos:
- Crown Royal bottle for her father
- Cigar for her father
- Bag of chips for her brother
- Green clothing (her father’s eye color)
The Wildfire
White was working in Arkansas when her father called, saying they needed to evacuate. Both father and son used wheelchairs. The fire reached their yard before help arrived.
Anthony Mitchell died trying to save his son:
> “My father died a hero, not leaving my brother alone”
Healing Journey
White experiences physical symptoms from trauma:
- Jumps in sleep
- Gets scared when alone
- Cries and screams
She keeps a shrine at home with items for both family members. A separate GoFundMe supports her surviving brother Jordan.
Key Takeaways
- Christmas gift preserves last voicemail from wildfire victim
- Family creates memorial with personal items
- Eaton wildfire killed wheelchair-bound father and son
- One year later, healing continues through remembrance
