Asheville is home. And, I will always remember Mica Village as my soft place to land during an incredibly transformational season of life - quiet, reflective mornings in the garden or long evening sipping wine with friends. This place brought me such peace. My heart breaks at the destruction, at the scale of loss across the region and to this place of personal significance. I will grieve for Asheville, I will grieve for Mica Village, I will grieve for the life I curated before this catastrophe.

Now I have to ask for help and it’s uncomfortable - I have the clothes on my back, a toothbrush, and a pair of tennis shoes (and if you know me, you know I also brought my work laptop )… I cannot return home; my home in Mica Village is uninhabitable and unsafe.

It’s a privilege to be able to evacuate and to begin to replace essentials; for this, I am grateful. Especially when so many in this region could not and cannot do the same. But rebuilding a life - starting over - is a scary and costly proposition.

I am deeply touched by all of the words of support and compassion. With a humble heart, I offer forward this means of shared contribution - thank you for lifting me up in this time of need.

With all of my love and gratitude, - Kelly