Friday the 13th
I drove my wife to a Doctor’s appointment this morning… While she was in to see the doctor I pulled up Facebook on my phone and was just scrolling thru the posts. I came upon a tribute to Marie Freeman that sounded beautiful but sad… After following a few links I found that sad feeling was contagious.
On May 6, 2022, the High Country lost a coveted community member. Marie Freeman was a beloved wife, a devoted daughter, a loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to many.
Marie Freeman – Watauga Democrat
Marie Freeman was my first Blog Buddie. I discovered her Blog at about the same time I discovered Valle Crucis, NC. It was her photography of the area that kept me dreaming my North Carolina Mountain Dreams… Though we never met in person, our virtual friendship is one I always cherished… and our shared love of the NC Mountains kept we coming back to her Social Media posts…
We always said we would meet up on this porch… Even though we never managed it, I would think of her and her photos on every trip. And on occasion, when the crowds were lite I’d rock a spell with a cup of coffee and people watch… Thanks Marie, you inspired me…
During her time at the Democrat, Marie raised her daughters alongside her wonderful husband, but also became well known in the community for her kindness, work ethic, and skill as a photographer. Her passion for the art was apparent through her work and it did not go unnoticed by the community. She never met a stranger and was an expert at ensuring everyone felt comfortable in front of the camera. While she always strived to avoid the typical “grip and grin” shots that so many situations call for, people were drawn to her effervescent personality and contagious smile as she helped everyone feel as though they were the most important person in the room.
Marie Freeman – Watauga Democrat
During the decade and a half I was dreaming the dream of resettling to the NC Mountains… The mountains of my forefathers, we would always promise to meet up on the backporch of the Mast Store and share a ginger ale or something… It never happened… And now it never will…
Marie, your voice and your special eye will missed… I know I’ll be revisiting your old blog over the coming months. Rest in peace.
