In the middle of an unimaginable tragedy
Hazelwood Avenue in Waynesville. Micah McClure photo
It’s hard to know what to write about when my mind is swirling in so many directions, as I’m sure most of yours are as well. As someone said, not only were the effects of Hurricane Helene on a mountain region improbable, they were unimaginable.
When I was a little girl growing up in Weaverville, my mom told me that the mountains of Western North Carolina were the safest place to live because we were too far from the coast to get hit by the eye of a hurricane and that the mountains would protect us from tornados. When news broadcasts aired about far-off places experiencing natural disasters, I would always think, “But not, here. We are safe in WNC.” Now, those comforting motherly words have evaporated into the ether.
My family is safe with water and power. We do not have internet or cell service, which is a very minor inconvenience compared to what others are enduring. My heart aches at the devastation that so many are currently managing. It was three days into this tragedy that we were able to see photos from neighboring communities and only then did we start to realize the complete devastation.
My parents’ house burned to the ground almost 20 years ago, and we lost everything. At the time, I was living with two roommates in a small house in West Asheville, so I had put all of my treasured keepsakes, photo albums, yearbooks and other memorabilia in my parents’ basement. It all burned. I vividly recall the look on my mom’s face when I arrived on scene. Her expression was a concoction of shock, fear and brokenness. For days, we could barely get her to talk or help us figure out next steps. The grief was overwhelming, and it took years for her and my dad to rebuild on a different site and resettle.
As I think of the families, individuals and communities who have lost everything as a result of Hurricane Helene, I imagine they are experiencing similar emotions to that of my parents when they lost everything, and even worse if they’ve lost a loved one. I want to tell these folks to lean on others during this time. That is what my family had to do when my parents had nothing except the outfits they’d been wearing that night.
When we are worn down to a place that feels completely unmanageable and horribly hopeless, we must rely on our neighbors, friends and communities to help. So many people and organizations are willing and able to offer assistance, love, prayers, physical labor and monetary contributions during this tragedy. Even individuals and organizations from places very far away are sending supplies and monetary donations. Folks from around the entire globe have made precious memories in this part of North Carolina and the surrounding region. These mountains are beloved by so many and it will be a collective effort in heart, body and spirit to eventually rebuild.
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I’ve been relying on the radio for all information and have appreciated my colleague Cory Vaillancourt offering updates on Haywood County. From these broadcasts on WWNC-AM, it’s clear that some people are still trapped in their homes behind washed out roads, driveways and bridges. Thousands are still without running water and power, and it sounds like many feel lonely and isolated like no one is coming to help them. I know it’s easy for me to say as I sit in a home with power and water, but I just want these people to know that help is coming and you are so loved.
Note: Many churches, businesses and other organizations in the area are organizing recovery efforts and are serving as receiving sites for needed supplies. First United Methodist Church in Waynesville is one of these locations. Items such as baby supplies, hygiene products, dog food, cat food, dry goods and canned foods can be dropped off at the Friendship House on the church’s campus. Orchard Coffee is serving as a gathering hub for charging phones and simply a place to be together. The Southern Loft is offering water to folks who bring their own containers. Long’s Chapel is serving warm meals on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Fri., Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. These are just the few places I’ve heard about from the minimal time I’ve been on social media. We’ve listed other resources in today’s paper.
Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist who lives in Haywood County. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
