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| The South Jetty in Venice |
I think many of us, especially in the Southeast, have been in a state of shock the last few days. I am completely devastated by the extent of the destruction of Helene. Tens of thousands of people have lost homes, businesses, and their belongings including the irreplaceable. I have read comments on places like Facebook that those living in the paths of hurricanes should have known better.
Unfortunately, it would appear that the old thinking of where is safe from hurricanes is no longer true. Asheville, North Carolina is one of my favorite places. Any of you who have been to the Biltmore Estate know what a lovely area it is. It is the last place you would think would be vulnerable to a hurricane. It is 300 miles from a coast in western North Carolina and in the mountains. It has been completely devastated by Helene - underwater, roads closed, people missing, homes, businesses, and lives destroyed. I love Asheville and have considered moving there. Others places I love have also been affected.
Unfortunately, extreme weather seems to be an issue in much of the country between hurricanes, tornadoes, wild fires, earthquakes, and flooding from excessive rains.
I saw yesterday about a pop-up event that took place in an area near Tampa where many homes were flooded. People spontaneously set-up tables and canopies and everyone brought every type of food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bedding, clothing, and such to give out free to affected families. Neighbors helping neighbors.
I hope you will consider donating to local relief efforts or the American Red Cross for the huge numbers affected. It will take years for many communities to recover from this and I fear that some never will. So sad. Here is the link for the Red Cross. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer today, but so many in our country have had their lives completely turned upside down by Helene. Stay Strong.
Thank you for this thoughtful post. We remained unscathed in the Piedmont area of NC, but scarcely an hour away, in Boone, the flooding and damage were unprecedented.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this post. My heart is so sad for all affected and there are Millions… I have donated to several good organization's. Thank God for everyone helping these past few days..I continue to pray for all involved..
ReplyDeleteThat was lovely Beth. Thank you. I will be hosting a friend from Asheville for an indefinite period of time. It's a matter of when the roads are opened to come down the mountains. Seeing Biltmore Village submerged crushed me. All those Christmases touring the castle at night. Pure magic. As always in times like these we all want to help. Beware of all the scammers. Know to whom you are donating. I shall miss my annual mountain festivals during fall season. May the people get the help they need.
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Kris Kristoffesson will live as long as I do. Thanks for the memories.
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well said.
ReplyDeleteOMG. It was a very busy news week last week. Lots of big events happening all over the world. Thank you for reminding all of us, Beth. It's hard to wrap one's head around the extent of damage this hurricane has caused unless you have personally felt it's wrath. People will be living with the aftermath for a long while. I made a donation. I'm going to make a second one.
ReplyDeleteFor so many, especially in the Western NC, East Tenn. area, once flood warnings were issued, there was no time to evacuate. Roads closed or washed away in less than an hour & trying to drive out was impossible & even if started immediately, they could not have outraced the storm. Those saying 'should have moved to safety' just don't know what they are talking about. Only hope they are never in such perilous situations as these.
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