What A Weekend



When someone says they had a big weekend, it usually means they went all out at a party, a ball game, or a concert. 


Barb and I are pretty ordinary. We work, spend time with our kids and grandkids, and occasionally fly a plane or ride a horse, nothing too flashy. However, this past weekend took a different turn.


Barb connected with a fellow healthcare professional online. In their conversation, this woman mentioned she was feeling overwhelmed. When Barb asked why, she replied, “Don’t you know? I live in Asheville, NC, and we just got hit hard by a hurricane.”


Barb, being Barb, asked how she could help. She said, “Come down here and help me!”


Before I knew it, I was flying Barb and me to Asheville Saturday morning. Meeting these folks for the first time felt a bit like online dating, but it went smoothly.


On Saturday evening, we helped organize medical supplies, packing containers and backpacks for healthcare workers who would deliver care in the mountain areas. Sunday morning was spent shopping for two RVs that had been donated to families who lost everything in the storm. We even witnessed one family’s emotional reaction when they were gifted an RV to live in for the winter as they work to rebuild.

Throughout Sunday, we sorted more donated items to prepare them for distribution. 

What did we see down there? Destruction that words can hardly capture, far beyond what the media has shown. But we also saw the enduring American spirit—people stepping up to help neighbors in need. This woman Barb met is fundraising to buy more mobile homes and RVs, giving people a place to stay warm this winter.

What didn’t we see? Unfortunately, there wasn’t a FEMA truck in sight. We saw a couple of FEMA workers at our hotel, but they showed no urgency—still lingering in the lobby at 9:00 AM. I felt like asking them what they were doing, but I knew the answer wouldn’t change the reality: they didn’t seem to be doing much. Locals said FEMA was “around,” but they hadn’t been much help.

As we flew back on a beautiful Monday afternoon, we were ready to return to our normal lives. It will be years before the Asheville area fully recovers.

On a lighter note, if you’d like to talk about farm or commercial real estate, feel free to give me a call—let’s catch up like old friends.

765-427-5052

bneihouser@shook.com

Cut Through The Noise. Get Straightforward Advice.


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