Resilience
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In 1867, a young farmer, John Cable built this grist mill in Cades Cove. This mill, powered by water that flowed from an adjacent stream that turned the great wheel, allowed John to mill the flour that would provide sustenance to the hearty families who scratched out a living in this mountain cove. It was also a place where families would gather, where people could socialize and share their stories and talk about how - together - they would endure. There was a lot of heartache and tragic losses. But also some laughter. Now, after an early December snow, the mill stands quiet, the people are all gone but if you listen carefully, quietly, you can hear their voices in that nearby stream, and in the creaking boards. There will be better days. Together. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.