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For the first quarter-century of my life, Western North Carolina was the place that was the most special to me.
I recognize this feeling. I know when I’ve got it, and I know when it’s not there. It’s why I know that Western North Carolina is one of the few places I can truly call home.
So Hurricane Helene’s immense devastation felt very personal.
Image: Looking Glass Rock, as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by a nine-year-old me, 1989.
