John Mayer Empathizes With L.A. Fire Victims Who Lost Family Photos

John Mayer is empathizing with the families who lost cherished documents in the Los Angeles fires. On Thursday, the musician shared an image of a folder he owns with photos of his father, calling it the “most valuable thing” he owns.

“It’s the only evidence of his life that will exist over time,” Mayer wrote in a poignant Instagram post. “These are the ‘documents’ you read about people taking from their homes. When you hear someone say they’ve lost everything in a fire, this is much of that everything, if not all of it.”

“Those who say they’ll be okay still have their folders and their albums. Those who are inconsolable have lost them,” he added. “Just behind the immeasurable loss of life is the loss of the proof of life. I don’t practice prayer but tonight I will say one for everyone who no longer has these items. It’s not about the art and the collectibles. It’s the photos, the letters, the class rings, the eyeglasses and the things we keep to remind us that those we loved were here.”