Drama at the Gate

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Daughter Lise and grandson Nathaniel wanted Sarah to see elk in Cataloochee valley. Sarah was willing to drive her car there, since we needed a vehicle that could manage rough gravel roads. Lise took a photo from the car, as we went up and over a mountain into the next valley.

A locked gate kept us from going further down the road, though we were near the barn and house that were always open. Hurricane Helene damaged the road and the barn. When a park ranger stopped to open the gate, he told Lise that we were welcome to walk there, but we couldn’t take the car. Nate went back for something and easily stepped over the gate.

Lise and I walked to the stream that was gurgling merrily and watched sticks and leaves floating down. Sarah and Nathaniel walked on to see the damaged barn and go through the house.

The young people returned, having seen the buildings they wanted to see, although no elk were in sight. We didn’t know the exciting part was yet to come. Nate stepped over the gate, and I think Sarah stooped and went under it. My turn! I approached it with confidence, stooped down, and then I couldn’t move my feet further. I realized my knees were not going to bend past the 90-degree point. I tried until I fell over. They were aghast that I had fallen, although I was only inches from the ground.

“Take a photo!, I commanded. I wasn’t going to get up until the incident had been recorded. Lise complied, and we were all free to laugh.

Since I get on the floor every morning while exercising, I knew I could get up. Until I couldn’t. It wasn’t that easy! Loose gravel was there, not a soft carpet. I crawled a little to get near a concrete barrier and pulled up. I saw the relief on their faces when I was on my feet. I told Lise I needed to practice, and she said, “Right. I’ll bring some gravel and put it on your carpet!”

Sarah and Nate played Pooh Sticks a few times, then we all got a stick to throw off the bridge. Winner was the one whose stick went under the bridge first. For the record, Lise won. It was great to have light-hearted fun after the drama at the gate.

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Published by Anne Mehrling

I'm a retiree who loves to write about life in the mountains of North Carolina.

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19 thoughts on “Drama at the Gate”

  6. I loved this post, Anne. You and your family just have such contagious joy! As someone who is still able to get up from the floor or ground, albeit in a not attractive way, I appreciate how we can adapt and adjust, and you smile and look absolutely gorgeous while doing it. Please take a photo of the gravel on the carpet and some “practice photos” while Lise is still there! Rock on, sister.

    PS: Lise, I am not suggesting that you really put gravel on the carpet. But you all are such daredevils, I wanted to make that clear!

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      1. I just saw this. So true. You can add family as well of course. There is nothing so wonderful as a friend who listens well, without judging, and knows just when to laugh at life’s circumstances.

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