29 Comments

I’m in Raleigh, but some of my friends went to App State. It’s a hard pill to swallow and I admire your courage. Sending prayers and positive vibes to you all. That rainbow shows that God has you all💕

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Netta! 🌈

Expand full comment

🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

Expand full comment

Asheville is also my hometown, though I now live in Tallahassee. We were in Boone when this all started. It's been heartbreaking to see the 600 miles of devastation Helene caused. I'm so glad you and your family are safe. Thank you for sharing your story and the links to help.

Expand full comment
author

Oh, Gina! What an adventure you have had. How are things in Tallahassee? Please come back to our mountains again when the time is right. ❤️

Expand full comment

Been to writers conference at Ridgecrest three of the last four years. We stop in Black Mountain on any trip to the southeast. Heartbroken to see what’s happened. We’ve donated to Samaritan’s Purse. Hope to come help when we can. I’m betting our BRMCWC writers conf will do something! 🙏🏻

Expand full comment

So sorry for this loss and devastation. Your little ones are learning so much.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Shell! You're right. Our girls are learning the most important lesson of all: love your neighbor.

Expand full comment

Thanks for being brave and sharing even as you process your own emotions.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, love ❤️❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Oct 10Liked by Katrina Donham

I’m so sorry for what you’ve been experiencing, there are no words. I will stop now and pray for you and your family. May God take you in His arms and hold you tightly. May He bless you abundantly in your time of sadness, and lift you up beyond measure.

Expand full comment

You and your family will be in my prayers Katrina 🙏 ❤️

Expand full comment

So very sorry for the loss and devastation you are all facing. My prayers go up for all of you. May God grant you grace, strength and consolation.

Expand full comment
Oct 6Liked by Katrina Donham

Im in tears thinking and reading your story. Truly heart breaking .. From my heart and personal experience surviving a cat 5 storm , i understand the emotion .

My heart felt prayers are with all of you living the nightmare.

When the dust settles , you need seek help. PTSD is very very real.

Prayer is what git me through my issues. A true and real relationship with our God helps more then you could ever imagine.

You are so correct. You are one of the lucky ones. Family still together and unharmed.

The people in the hollers left / abandoned by Govt need anyone and everyone’s help NOW.

Anyone tries stopping that needs to meet their maker.

Expand full comment

A week before the hurricane, my husband were in Greenville, SC and we decided we loved Asheville more and want to move there. I love Asheville so much, it holds such a special place in my heart. I am going to dive into the links you shared to see how I can help. I am so glad you and your family are safe, if you want to travel down to the beach, you have a place to stay in Charleston.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much, Emma! I'm learning more and more and trying to share with others what I can while also taking care of my two littles. It's a rough balance. You're so kind to extend us the offer for a place to stay. We are good for the next two weeks, though we will continue to be displaced for the foreseeable future. There are no timelines for when power or water will be restored.

Expand full comment

You’re welcome. I can imagine it is a rough balance and being displaced with kids who cannot grasp what is going on. I can message you my number, so if you need a place to stay in the future, you have it.

Expand full comment

My brother is still stranded up in the mountains just south of Burnsville. After 3 days of no word, we learned he was safe and had food and water. But the roads to his house were obliterated. It's unfathomable what has happened there.

Expand full comment
author

I'm so glad your brother is safe! I have a friend who lives in Burnsville, and they managed to get out a few days ago. The devastation around her home is unreal. They are fortunate to still have a standing home. Despite this tragedy, I still remain hopeful, albeit paired with guilt. Thanks for reading and sharing your connection to WNC.

Expand full comment

I’m in Greensboro, I have gone to Asheville so many times over my life. For the smaller cities, I grew up going to Camp Bonclarken in Flat Rock and visiting downtown Hendersonville, and my family took yearly trips to Beech Mountain and Blowing Rock. I love Dirty Dancing and have been to Lake Lure so many times. Thank you for sharing your story, the devastation is so hard to see in our state. I am glad you and your family are safe.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for your kind words and sharing your connection. We are so heartbroken.

Expand full comment

Thank God for rainbows and His promise for better days ahead. I feel for you and your family as we too have experienced great loss during Jeane and Katrina. Unless one has endured through such a catastrophic event, it's difficult to wrap your mind around it all. I am just south of you in SC, we are still out of power and so many areas look like war zones. I pray you and your family get through what's to come next. Stay strong, love one another, and thank God you were blessed with life. The sun will shine for you all again. 💔🙏🙏

Expand full comment

So sad! Sorry

Expand full comment

I am so sorry, thank you for sharing your story so that we might understand what's happening in your area.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for reading 🙏🏼

Expand full comment

Praying for you all from the NC coast! And gathering donations/help as we can.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you 🙏🏼

Expand full comment