Fifty-three days after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Asheville finally restored clean drinking water to its residents. For those living in cities, the idea of being without potable water is almost unimaginable. Yet, the storm’s catastrophic impact turned our lives upside down.
Water shortages were just one challenge. Trees were down, flooding reached historic levels, and homes across the region were heavily damaged. Once the storm passed, the people of Western North Carolina rolled up their sleeves to rebuild. These past two months have been emotionally raw, and celebrating small victories has taken on a new meaning.
As Thanksgiving approaches, gratitude feels more profound. We’re thankful for neighbors helping neighbors, the outpouring of support from across the country, and every hand that’s helped us recover and rebuild.
Amira’s Day as a Therapy Dog
Amira, trained as a service dog, showed she’s more than just a working dog—she’s also a comforter. Teona saw this firsthand at a local care station set up in the aftermath of the storm.
There, Amira met a nurse who had come from out of town to help with recovery efforts. The nurse, physically and emotionally drained, found solace in Amira. Holding the Doberman, she let her tears flow and found the strength to continue her essential work. At that moment, Amira gave her a gift: the comfort she needed to carry on.
Family and Friends Coming Together
In the days after Hurricane Helene, neighbors became lifelines. We shared meals, news, and moments of joy by candlelight when cell service and the internet were down. It reminded us of the power of community.
I’m deeply grateful for my sister Deb and her husband Mike, who opened their home to us. Though other friends also extended invitations, we decided to travel to Michigan and spend time with family. Without knowing exactly how long we’d stay, Deb and Mike hosted us for three weeks, providing much-needed stability before we returned to Asheville.
Recovery Continues, but Gratitude Grows
Our region still has a long road ahead. Many areas need ongoing support, and businesses that rely on October’s leaf season have faced devastating revenue losses. While we can’t reclaim that time, we can support local businesses in any way we can.
Some will leave Western North Carolina in search of new opportunities, but many of us are here for the long haul. Our community is resilient, and we’ll rebuild stronger than before. Even as the national headlines shift, know that we’re still here, taking it one day at a time. This Thanksgiving, we’ll celebrate with hearts full of gratitude and love for this incredible community.
Wishing You a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving
Wherever you are this Thanksgiving, we hope you find moments of joy and gratitude, no matter what life has brought your way. Stay safe, and know that brighter days are ahead.
