08/10/2024
Its taken me nearly two weeks to overcome the shock, and response of what has happened in the Western North Carolina mountains that I now call home. I feel privileged and blessed to say that we are safe and that our home is safe. Our small subdivision neighborhood off Reems Creek in Weaverville is also safe for now although many other neighbors down from us are not. We were cut off from the main access road as the creek near to us overflowed for a day and we watched our backyard turn into a flowing creek from the downhill flow of water. We were unprepared for the extent of the storm's impact.
After three days of no power, cell service and dwindling water supply, we evacuated as quickly as we could over fallen power lines, fallen trees. With less than half a tank of gas, and a quickly diminishing battery on our cellphones, relying on a paper map of Asheville, we drove in several directions, got turned around where roads and interstates had washed away, or blocked off, until we found the backroads to a town where we waited in line for over an hour to get fuel, and then drove into Georgia where we stayed in hotels and an airbnb.
We plan to return back at the end of this week, to our home to re-assess the conditions of our neighborhood and town. I am counting my blessings every day. I am deeply grateful for all those who have reached out to check in on us, to our neighborhood community, the first responders, rescuers, volunteers and other county friends, as well as a responsive Federal, State, County, and City officials, private rescue volunteer teams, utility repair teams who are working non-stop, medics, retail stores who are making it possible for all of us to return. It takes a whole lot of people, strength, willpower and resilience to overcome and help each other.
My heart is very heavy for all those who were impacted severely; those who lost lives, their homes, pets, animals, and where entire townships have been destroyed, those that are trying to survive without power, cell service, warm meals, water or access to medical care. I worry about the elderly and others stuck in their homes with no means to access resources. The images on the internet do not do justice to the ravaged areas.
I also feel upset at times, by those from their couches, who politicize this human tragedy, focus blame on others who are trying to help, and spent their time coming up with conspiracy theories instead of trying to help their fellow human beings in any tangible way. The mob mentality and lack of empathy takes my breath away. They set up social media reels and videos to replay these messages over and over again, to garner enough views and likes, to monetize their platforms. Those who are anxiously waiting on news of loved ones or those waiting for rescue and assistance are hampered by more fear, and grief induced by these social media theories and implications. The best way you can help if you choose, is to imagine what would you want to happen if this happened to you, and offer the presence of your heart space, your time, money, energy, or any other resources as support to all those who really need it, in a very compassionate way without the divide of nationalism, politics, religion, language, race, caste or creed. Sending Peace and Love to all...
