I sit here in front of the television watching a boat being wildly thrashed about in the water. I am honestly getting sea sick from watching the wild bouncing and crashing of the unmanned boat. It’s just another runaway boat caught up in the malicious wind of Hurricane Helene.

The scene is Anna Marie Island, normally a tranquil piece of paradise known for its tranquil beauty.

The last time I was there we were celebrating my birthday. We had lunch at the pier then I was content just sit there and admire the tranquil ocean view. It’s no longer tranquil now.

But oh how I love a water view. At least I used to before all these hurricanes.

Actually, any kind of water view used to make my heart sing.

A river, a lake, a roaring creek, a quiet bay or a magnificent ocean view – I love it all. Any place on water speaks to my soul.

When I was young I had a lot of fun walking trying to walk on the stones in the creek at Knoebels Grove. Who needs amusement rides or the crystal swimming pool when I could have the challenge of trying to walk on the moss-covered rocks in the creek without falling in. And if I did fall, well, getting wet on a hot day was part of the fun.

For 21 straight years my favorite water view was at the Outer Banks of North Caroline. I would save for a year to be able to afford two weeks there. But to me, it was worth it.

There’s a lot to do at the Outer Banks. When a neighbor told me about a new attraction I wasn’t interested. I was never interested in doing more than stretching out on a towel in front of the ocean. Listening to the sound of waves hitting the beach washed away any stress and filled me with bliss.

I recorded the mesmerizing sound of the surf so when I got home I could still hear the ocean. That was the best sleep aide for me.

One thing I learned about renting a beach cottage was that a modest cottages had the same view as the mega mansions. Same sound, same view.

Back in Pennsylvania I loved when we visited relatives at their cottage along the creek.

My friend Lisa and I each yearned for our own water view. At one point she said if we pooled our money we might be able to buy a cottage along the creek. It didn’t sound like a good idea for multiple reasons.

My own water view seemed like a dream that would never happen. I could never picture being that blessed.

When I did retire and move to Florida I was happy to see the price of homes was much less than in a typical home in my Pennsylvania hometown.

After seeing dozens of homes the Realtor took me to a darling little cottage that instantly stole my heart. I couldn’t believe I would have my own swimming pool. When I saw the view behind the home I was so enchanted with the lagoon that gave me the water view I had always craved. I couldn’t believe I could live in such an enchanted place.

There was not a day that I didn’t thank God for my own little piece paradise.

I’ve been there for 20 unbelievable years and I have never stopped saying thank you.

Two years ago when Hurricane Ian destroyed my home we were told it was a once in a lifetime hurricane. In the 50 years prior to that there never was a hurricane that inflicted such damage on Rotonda West.

I was told it was only because the hurricane was stalled for seven hours above our community that we had such destruction.

With a heavy heart but total faith I had a contractor rebuild my house, making it stronger and more able to keep me safe.

Those who follow the news about how Hurricane Helene roared through nine states know what’s coming next. The heavy winds that forced water from the Gulf of Mexico created more fear and destruction that we had ever scene. While my home didn’t go down this time, all around me there was nothing but death and destruction.

Helene’s death toll was more than 120 victims while hundreds of others had to be rescued from roof tops by helicopters.

Hearing about it and seeing it are two different things. I cried as I watched television accounts of old people suddenly without a home. Suddenly they had nothing. Not even food or water. The lucky ones were given a small FEMA trailer while others were taken by family, friends or good Samaritans until they could find a place to live. It’s going to take years.

At the start of this column l told you how much I love a water view. It turned out that anyone close to water had the most destruction.

I feel betrayed. The very nature I loved all my life was now a death trap for water communities.

I no longer love a water view because I know the danger that comes with it. After two hurricanes I’ve had it. Now, we are in danger again.

Does anyone know a nice safe place to live without hurricanes?

Maybe there are better things than a water view.

Email Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net.