Happy New Year 2025: Finding Strength Together in Western North Carolina

Many people in Western North Carolina will be carrying heavy hearts starting in 2025. The past year put us to the test in ways we never imagined. Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on people's lives, destroying homes and businesses, and, most painfully, forcing some of us
to say goodbye to loved ones. The hurricane left not just physical scars, but also mental ones. Even in the worst days, we realized what made our town so unique. Strangers became friends as we shared meals, moved rubble, and consoled one another. It is that spirit—the will to rise again—that gives us hope as we begin the New Year.

For many, the 2024 losses are daunting. If you have lost your house, it is more than just a structure; it is a place full of memories. If you've lost a business, it means years of hard work and goals are gone. And if you've lost someone close to you, the sadness is indescribable. We remember those who have passed away. They are genuine and important. But, as difficult as it has been, your strength and tenacity in the face of adversity teach us that even when we are struck down, we rise together,

This New Year does not necessitate grandiose, life-changing resolutions. Many people believe in taking modest steps at a time. It could mean repairing a part of your home, reopening your business, or simply asking for assistance when you need it. Healing and rebuilding do not happen immediately, but every step forward is important. If you're feeling stuck, realize that you aren't alone. Help is available. Local organizations, neighbors, and friends are prepared to help you. All you need to do is ask. Sometimes the most difficult thing is taking the initial step.

Western North Carolina is more than a destination; it is a community. It's where we come together, not only in good times but also in bad. It's where we show up for one another, whether it's by shopping at a local store that is trying to stay open, sharing a meal with someone in need, or simply saying something nice to someone who has had a bad day. This year, let us draw on that strength. Let us continue to aid each other. Let us celebrate modest wins, such as a reopened store, a repaired home, or a neighbor smiling again after a difficult year. Together, we can repair what was lost and make it stronger than before. Looking Ahead to 2025

The New Year represents a new beginning, an opportunity to look ahead with hope. It's a moment to enjoy the beauty around us—the mountains we call home, the tiny villages that bring us together, and the relationships that matter the most. While the issues of 2024 may still be there, 2025 offers us the opportunity to begin a new chapter. So here's to a year of recovery, rebuilding, and rediscovering joy. Let us continue to support each other, one day at a time. Western North Carolina has repeatedly demonstrated its strength. This year will be no different. |

Wishing you all a happy new year. Let's make 2025 a year to remember for its hope, resilience, and love, which keeps us going—together.