Ruth Judkins, who will be 90 next month, faced the devastation of the Southern California wildfires with remarkable resilience and a focus on life's true priorities. Her home in Altadena was among the many destroyed, but her spirit remains unbroken.

"Focus on what truly matters," Judkins advised in an interview. "And hope you possess the strength, energy, and faith to persevere and rebuild. This experience might inspire you to simplify your life, regardless of your age. The key is to identify your core values and live by them."

Her granddaughter shared a video of Judkins' reflections on Instagram, which quickly went viral, accumulating over 3 million views and countless comments. People resonated with her message of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Judkins described the terrifying speed of the fire, noting its unusual origin. "The fires typically begin in the mountains," she explained. "But this one ignited at our elevation, making it a completely different situation. I've never witnessed anything like it. The wind propelled it eastward with frightening speed."

After receiving an urgent evacuation alert, Judkins packed a few essentials and fled. She admitted to being overly optimistic about the fire's containment, saying, "I thought it would be under control quickly. Had I known, I would have grabbed a wall of irreplaceable photos and my recipe box."

Judkins, who lived in her Altadena home for 48 years, is already planning to rebuild, focusing on sustainability. "I don't have many years left to enjoy a new home," she stated, "but I'm eager to rebuild on the same foundation, incorporating electric heat and an electric water heater for a more eco-friendly approach."

Reflecting on her losses, Judkins emphasized the replaceable nature of material possessions. "Having lived in my home for so long, I realized I didn't truly need many of the things I accumulated," she shared. "I was raised in the 1950s with the understanding that while money is necessary for survival, it doesn't bring happiness."

Judkins' daughter, Carolina, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support her mother's rebuilding efforts. In the post, Carolina highlighted the suddenness of the evacuation and the loss of Judkins' rental properties, which were her primary income source. This left her without a financial safety net.