Echoes of Appalachia

I’ve been watching the news, seeing the pictures, and listening to the stories from back home in western North Carolina and here in east Tennessee. And let me tell you, my heart’s heavy right now. Those mountains and towns, they raised me. I’ve spent a lifetime finding peace in those towns, but now they’re being swallowed up by the floods, and it’s hard to wrap my head around.

September 26, 2024, is a day I don’t think any of us will forget. The rain just wouldn’t let up, and soon the rivers and creeks—the ones we grew up beside, the ones that run through our childhood memories—turned into something unrecognizable. From the French Broad River in Marshall and Hot Springs, NC all the way into Erwin, Tennessee, the water came roaring through like it had no mercy, and now so many homes and lives are in ruins.

I’ve been thinking about all the folks affected. I can’t help but feel for every single person who’s lost something in this flood—whether it’s their home, their livelihood, or God forbid, someone they love. These are my people, our people. And if there’s anything I know, it’s that folks around here are tough. We’ve been through our share of hard times, and we always come through for each other.

But even knowing that doesn’t make this any easier to watch. It’s one thing to say we’ll rebuild, and I know we will, but it’s another to stand by while the place that’s been your heart and soul gets washed away. Those rivers and creeks were always such a calming part of life growing up. They were the backdrop to so many of my memories. Now, seeing them rise up and cause so much destruction is like seeing an old friend turn against you.

I don’t know how long it’ll take for things to get back to normal. And I’m sure a lot of people don’t feel like they can even think about normal right now. But if you’re reading this, and you know someone who’s been hit by this flood, reach out to them. Even if it’s just to check in. Sometimes just knowing someone cares is enough to get you through a rough day.

We’ll make it through this, but right now, my hearts with every person, every family, and every home that’s been affected. Stay strong. We’ve got each other, and we’ll pull through like we always do.

– Tim