As I was reading over the information of the tragic loss of a young woman on the Oconaluftee yesterday (Feb. 24), I was reminded how very fragile life is. This lady from Ohio, reported age 34, lost her life while kayaking the river.

In this day and age of people seeking inclusivity for all, it seems incredible that I’m even writing this column arguing that Paralympic athletic events should be included in the Olympic Games.  Right now, they’re held as a separate event, a second Olympics if you will, and I just feel that is wrong and doesn’t make sense. 

Those of us who daily have the privilege to live in the mountains take for granted the incredible display of nature’s beauty that is routinely available to enjoy. There are those who live not so far away who don’t have the great pleasure of seeing trees full of birds, streams full of fish, and lands teeming with wildlife so often that it is commonplace.