A year ago we were hit by Hurricane Helene. It was more than I could even imagine and even though we did not suffer the devastation to our home and property or experience the loss of life like many families did, it was still a disaster that affected us deeply. To this day, when I hear thunder and see the relentless rain outside I feel that tinge of worry.

We learned a lot about humanity during the storm and aftermath. We really found out how wonderful our community is and we celebrate that. What did I see during the storm and after the storm? Hope. Hope comes in many shapes and forms. A neighbor helping clear a driveway of debris. A friend dropping off a bag of much needed ice when ours was gone. People sharing generators and storing food in freezers that still could function. Neighbors coming together over a cooked meal made from things that needed to be used up before they went bad. Our neighbor Elaine made it back from her trip from Slovenia and shared a bowl of Helene Soup with us.

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This weekend there will be a gathering in Brevard at the Brevard Music Center where folks can come together to remember and commemorate the event and heal. While so many are still dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane a year later , it is an important free event that so many are involved in providing.

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While Chris and I won’t be able to attend the event, I hope that as many people show up as can because I think it is going to be an amazing event. I wish we could be there in person but I hope to hear from others who attend. Mark your calendars and show up.

Many places will be sharing stories and pictures from the event. One such documentary is Helene: What We Lost, What We Found, sponsored by the Triangle Community Foundation, which will air Thursday, Sept. 25 on WRAL-TV and stream on WRAL.com, the WRAL News app, and on WRAL’s YouTube channel.