FOTO FRIDAY… The Survivor

In the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, in the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina, there stands a pier that has stood the test of time – the Frisco Pier. I’d heard about this pier. Heard it was going to be destroyed. Heard it was bought by a couple wanting to restore it – and they tried. The couple first bought the pier in 2003, after it was partially destroyed by Hurricane Isabel. They spent $400,000 to buy and rebuild the pier, and they remained hopeful. But in 2008, it was once again struck – this time by Hurricane Earl. The couple could no longer afford to fix the pier, and they reached out to the public. They were willing to give it up to anyone who wanted to save and rebuild it, but they had no takers.

In 2013, the National Park Service bought the pier, but were unwilling to take on the task of rebuilding, and left the pier to the forces of Mother Nature.

In 2016, the pier was slated to be destroyed, as little by little, it had been swept into the sea, but then came Hurricane Matthew, and even more of the pier was taken. Destruction was put off, and the Frisco Pier is now scheduled to be destroyed in the fall of 2017.

I’d heard about this pier, but I’d never seen it in all the times I’d been to Cape Hatteras. So, this past spring, while taking a long photography weekend in Nags Head, I convinced my husband to get up at 3:30 in the morning to drive the hour to Cape Hatteras to see the pier at sunrise.

The pier spoke to me.

Frisco Pier is, now, in about 5 sections. Every time I see a new photo, more of the pier is missing.

The Frisco Pier signifies STRENGTH. It signifies RESILIENCE. It is BEAUTIFUL.

As a breast cancer survivor, the Frisco Pier reminds me of my journey and the journey of my many friends who are also survivors. The pier has been maimed; it has fought for its life, and yet, it stands.

Not perfect. But strong. Beautiful. A survivor.

Photography by Theresa Rasmussen Photography.

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