You all know just how much GatlinburgĀ and Pigeon Forge mean to Clay and me. If not, it’s not really something I can express. It’s just, well, it’s our “safe place”. We spend as much time there as possible. It is our home away from home, our place of solace, relaxation and a place to rejuvenate as a family.
We are truly heartbroken for the folks in these counties who have been affected by the fires. I’ve cried off and on all day today thinking about the families and business men and women who have been displaced. The animals and scenery and lives that are changed forever! I never expected a place to mean so much to me. Having such strong emotions for something that really doesn’t affect me might seem strange but I can’t help myself. I am filled with so much sadness right now.
Here is some footage courtesy of LEX18, our local news station. This footage is copyright to them and shared from the embed code on Facebook. No infringement intended. I just wanted to give you all a glimpse of the devastation in and around Gatlinburg, TN at this time.
We offer up prayers for the residents, guests, firefighters, first respondents, etc. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers as well. In this time when we are all celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and numerous other Holidays, these folks will be starting over. I ask that you join me (Crystal) in lifting them all up in prayer.
Heavenly Father, I ask you, today, for rain, cessation of fire and winds, safety and peace and comfort during this time for everyone affected by the devastating fires in and around Gatlinburg. Heavenly Father, I ask that you will continue to be with these people as the seek to rebuild what was physically lost. Please guide themĀ and Bless them in all they do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
There are many places where folks can offer support, donations, etc… Visit the Knoxville CBS affiliate Local 8Ā (livestream) for more info on how to help. This post gives some great info:Ā https://www.local8now.com/content/news/Gatlinburg-wildfire-relief-How-you-can-help-403572686.html
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I am a stay-at-home- mom, living in KY with my husband and children. I’m a travel and lifestyle blogger encouraging folks to live their life one adventure at a time while also focusing on beauty, essential oils and health. From time to time I also like to showcase my adorable pets along with my family. Along with Cinnamon Hollow I can be found at The Martin Family Adventure … read more
The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is my home away from home and the Smokies are my sanctuary. My heart is hurting for the people of Sevier County and for everything that has been lost. But at the same time I offer up thanks for all that was spared. There for awhile I was afraid all of Gatlinburg would be lost. Thank God it finally rained. My prayers go out for the injured, those who lost homes and jobs, and for those who lost loved ones. Its just a terrible tragedy for a town that has always made me feel welcome.
Hi Shannon,
I feel the same way. It’s hard to wrap my mind around what all happened but at the same time I am so thankful for everything that was left untouched or barely touched. So much was lost but so much was spared. I’ve been checking every hour for updates on the missing. There have been conflicting reports on the Reed family and a few others. And now they are dealing with small rock and mud slides. It is so heartbreaking.