The residents of Swannanoa find healing through Helene

The holidays look a lot different this year for families in Western North Carolina — they no longer have a place to call home.

Helene was ruthless, but the town of Swannanoa is resilient.

While the storm itself may have passed, the memories of the day Helene hit Western North Carolina will likely never go away.

“We felt water under our feet,” said Heather Pettipaw, a Swannanoa resident who lost her home. “The ground was rumbling – it was moving and shaking.” I just had to get my children out. This is all I need for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Nothing else.”

Heather Pettipaw’s family of four is making the most of life in a small 40-foot by 40-foot home.

“The National Guard was there and they said, ‘You’re going to die,'” Pettipaw said. “We pretty much left everything behind.”

Your Thanksgiving will look very different this year.

“Normally we would be surrounded by family,” she said. “But I need to be here to get my life back together.”

Beyond the abundance of rubble scattered across the yards, there are signs of happier times in the scraps. One can find references to toys and joy.

Now the focus on what even an 11-year-old boy is thankful for this Thanksgiving is a little different.

“Being alive and having my family,” said Heather’s son Russell.

These families find gratitude in the things that matter most to them.

“The fact that my family is here – so many people are not with us,” Pettipaw said. “They are just gone – in an instant – and I thank God that my family is here. We’re still on solid ground.”

At a time when so much has gone wrong, this city finds hope in the things that are going right.

“That’s what the world needs to know – that when things go wrong, there are people all over the country and the world who come in with open arms and are ready to help,” Pettipaw said. “No matter what.”

Helene’s pain cuts deep into the hearts of this community. Nevertheless, they persevere and find healing.

Amidst the chaos, there are still wondrous moments from the kindest hearts.

“The world can be a great place,” Pettipaw said. “People can be great. You just need the right people.”