We make new friends in long lines for basic needs, we slowly now see friends who are still here, drink wine together, make soup, text with the ones who had to evacuate, and it feels like there couldn’t be any more room for all the stories of loss, but we stretch to hold them until they spill out through more tears than anyone knew we could make, and the world is also so beautiful it hurts, the trees radiant with their descent into the winter we’re all afraid might break us.

Hugs! Piedmont NC native here, living in Va. missing home… but I go in my bathroom and turn on the hot water as I have all my adult life. I’m glad you have a shower option and I’d love to help more than my meager donation ability. There are many folks who grieve all your and your fellow people’s sorrows. May the rest of your life bring joy… you’ve had enough loss!! More hugs!