The day was perfect. Blue skies, puffy white clouds, cool temperatures. I had just come home from dance class, and sat on the front porch, rocking in my favorite chair and enjoying the moment before it dawned on me that it would be a perfect day to drive up to the Parkway. Sections that had been closed since Hurricane Helene had just reopened. I prepared some snacks and jumped into the car.

As I drove higher and higher, I felt an overwhelming sadness. I saw evidence of the destruction Hurricane Helene had wrecked. I was grateful for the crews that had worked so hard to reopen the parkway. I was sad for all the downed trees and destruction. Both can be true all at once.

I parked at the trailhead to Black Balsam. I bounded up the rocky path, and relished in the pristine air. I appreciated the silence. I hadn’t realized how accustomed I had grown to noise. I loved the lack of it. Silence is beautiful. Silence is restorative.

I don’t know what they were, but the bare trees with bunches of red berries were striking. The sun over the horizon was invigorating. The red leaves rustling in the wind. All were almost too beautiful to take in. Almost.

I sat on a rock and just was. I looked out over the mountains. I listened to the wind blowing. I felt the warmth of the sun. I appreciated the land that has been here for ages and will continue to be here for ages to come. I was content. I was happy.