In mid-November, I spoke with Gillian Doty for almost two hours in what proved to be an emotionally raw and deeply reflective conversation. The impact of surviving and navigating the turmoil of the recent disaster was still fresh in Gillian’s mind, and as we spoke, those experiences rose vividly to the surface. From personal struggles to the broader challenges faced by the community, our discussion captured the resilience, heartache, and determination that emerged in the wake of such devastation. Gillian’s words offered an honest glimpse into the complexities of community in times of crisis. Our conversation has been streamlined for readability.
Gillan Doty (GD): I originally grew up in the Northeast, and we had snowstorms – the power might go out for a little bit because a tree limb fell on the power lines. But it was a rude awakening dealing with this whole hurricane and flood. It's certainly nothing I've ever seen or experienced, and it puts a lot in perspective. Of course, we see images and news about natural disasters all over the world, but even I found being in Asheville, or just western North Carolina in general, if you see an image or a photograph of a disaster, it seems terrible, however, when you look at it in person, and it's the exact same thing, but the reality and directness are far more profound. It's just completely different.
Randi O’Brien (ROB): People don't understand the hustle and haste you must make in those kinds of natural disasters. You see it in photos or on the news and are glad everybody's safe. But people don't realize the feeling of these in-the-moment decisions you must make; in many ways, life and death. There's no way to describe the sensation of survival and what it is to see the true power of our environment. It’s a stark, sobering reality.
GD: I just spoke to Michael on the phone today, and he told me that for the first three days after the storm, he had no idea whether or not his kids were alive. Everyone has their own unique, personal experience, but it was a shocking seventy-two-hour period for everyone in that region.
