Those who travel these days in upper East Tennessee and Western North Carolina are reminded repeatedly of that dastardly Hurricane Helene. It’s been less than six weeks since the storm hit our area. It seems like six months – on some days, six years.

For optimists, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Roads and businesses are reopening even in the hardest hit areas, and most schools in the region are open again, as well.

On the morning of September 27, 2024, Badger awoke to howling winds and crashing trees and general mayhem. One of my first actions was to check on the immediate area around our residence to see how wicked the storm had been.

Worse than I could imagine was the first thought. Through the downed trees and the flooding, I was able to get to a picturesque small pond and gazebo that has been the subject of many of my seasonal images. What I saw that day broke my heart.

On Election Day 2024, I returned to the scene and was shocked to see the recovery. While the fence surrounding the pond was still damaged and the access road still in a state of disrepair, the reflection of the gazebo in the cool, clear water was a sign of the healing process of nature.

Tears this time were those of joy. Chronicling the disaster has been my duty but also my burden, and this little thing was a huge relief.

I kissed my camera and made my way home with as big a smile as I could remember. This return to beauty was a long time coming.

Thomas Mabry – Honey Badger Images

Many of the HoneyBadgerImages are on display at instagram.com/honeybadgerimages.