Thoughts on Hurricane Helene and Milton

I don’t know if this is true for many of you, but anytime I see a disaster whether it’s a wildfire, flood, tornado damage, or a hurricane, I’m equally fascinated at the wrath of Mother Nature, and feel devastated for those affected by the event. If I have visited an area hit by one of these disasters, I find it to be more upsetting. If I have met or know someone affected by the disaster, the whole experience becomes more real and personal for me. Many of you may find this to be true for you, too.

Milton is heading toward Florida as I write this. Bob and I spent February of 2024 touring the entire state of Florida. When I look at the hurricane map, my mind thinks about all the special places we visited, like Cedar Key, the Dali Museum, Disney World, Universal Studios, and a wonderful array of Florida state parks.

While these places are wonderful, the people who make their homes and livelihood there are weighing heavy on my heart. I have several author friends who reside in areas that were affected by Helene. Bob has cousins who live in Georgia who had damage in their neighborhoods and were without power. I have dance friends who has family in the Clearwater beach area, who are about to be hit by a second hurricane. Bob and I have often visited Ashville, North Carolina and are appalled that a hurricane can cause so much devastation inland.

Climate change is scarier than any Halloween monster, because it is real.

As many of you know, Murder in the Lighthouse is about to be launched. Bob and I stayed two weeks in St. Augustine, Florida, researching this book. There is so much history in this area that could be wiped out and washed away. That also weighs heavy on me. I’m grateful that we had the time in this area to enjoy its many delights and to share them with all my readers. I ask you to pray and send out positive thoughts to everyone affected by these natural disasters.