Guys, I know by now
everyone has seen the devastation that has hit Sevier County, TN this week. I
think a huge part of me is still in shock what is happening/happened there. My
family, and I mean my WHOLE family (mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, 3 nephews,
baby niece, my husband and 3 kids) were in Gatlinburg Thanksgiving day through
Sunday, the 27th. Saturday, the 26th, we rode up in the mountains and saw the
small fire that had started at Chimney Tops. The trail up to the Tops had been
closed. But it was so small, just one small fire at the peak. But the wind, the
wind when we got out of the car up at Clingmans Dome was so strong. Took my
sweet little nieces breath away, so we couldn't trek up the trail to the top
(which was fine, it was SO cold and none of us were outfitted for it). Never in
a million years would I have put two and two together. The wind being so strong
and seeing that small fire. I guess in my mind, as we were coming back down the
road in the Smoky Mountains National Park, and taking photos of the small fire
on Chimney Tops, that the firefighters would be able to control it, no problem.
I was sad that there was an area of the national park on fire, but knew it
would be okay.
Sunday, the smoke around downtown Gatlinburg had gotten a bit
worse but nothing very scary. Things were normal. And I even commented on our
way out "See you next time Gatlinburg". I never thought I would be "seeing" it all over the news and social media the next day.
I grew up going to Gatlinburg every single year (at least I think it was almost every year). Living in Franklin, TN, it was a short drive over to East Tennessee for a nice family trip to the Smoky Mountains. My parents honeymooned there over 42 years ago. I honeymooned with Justin there over 7 years ago. There have been so many fond, funny (when I thought the lady in the fur coat sitting on the bench in downtown Gatlinburg was a bear...if you haven't heard that story, my parents and sister would be MORE than happy to tell you!), and just amazing memories made there.
I bought a sticker for my car while we were at Clingmans Dome. It has a black bear on it with "Great Smoky Mountains NP" written below it. I put that sticker on my car last night with such a heavy heart. So many lives changed. As of today, thirteen lives lost. And so many still missing. I thank God that we left when we did. Granted we all had school/work to deal with Monday morning but what if...just what if we had stayed longer? My mom contacted the owner of the cabin we stayed in just days before and luckily, she said it seemed the cabin was still standing, just trees down around it. But still...what if?! I have to stop asking myself that. It breaks my heart in so many pieces. I'm terrified of what Gatlinburg is going to look like when I go back next time. The pictures I see floating around on the internet are horrible. Its one of those situations where I can't remove myself though.
I pray that all the people that have lost loved ones/family members heal in the best way they can. I also pray that the ones who lost pets can heal as well. And to all the wildlife that has been lost, I ache so much for them. I just pray that they knew what was coming and ran. Ran away from it. But I know they couldn't all get out of the path, it spread too fast. And then to all the ones that lost their homes and all their possessions, I pray that you are able to replace as much as you are able to. But I also know y'all are so very thankful that it wasn't anything more than "things".
Dolly Parton has a heart of gold. I heard her say that her businesses were going to give each family that has suffered in some way $1,000 a month until they are back on their feet. And for that Dolly, you are the most amazing person in the world to me right now. I wish I could do more. Prayers will have to do though. Sometimes those are the strongest healing powers. Gatlinburg, I WILL see you soon though. I would never stay away too long. My almost 4-year old is asking every day when we can go back. And also asks if I have seen any more scary pictures of the fires. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Smoky Mountain National Park...I pray so fiercely for you daily. See you soon...
