In a previous blog post, I shared a review of Declan Wheatley's book, "My Favourite Beaches of the Virgin Islands". Declan's sister, Amia Wheatley, has also published a book about her experience with a major weather event in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in September 2017. Her book is titled "Hurricane Irma Through My Eyes."
"Hurricane Irma Through My Eyes" is comprised of seven (7) chapters that give a heartfelt recount of Amia's experience with Hurricane Irma. She shared how her brother's birthday was just before the storm and about the preparations she saw happening for what would be a life changing event for many people in the BVI. She vividly expressed what she saw, felt and experienced with the Category 5 storm. She shared, "We got soaked from head to toe from the rain that came inside through the windows that we pushed against." I also can relate to being soaked because of the powerful showers that came with the storm.
She recounted the way her parents secured the doors and the peaceful change when the eye of the storm passed over the BVI. After the storm, Amia describes the clean-up work to clear debris and the camaraderie developed after the storm by everyone in the surrounding area. She also details the energy and effort it took to get to her grandmother's house after the storm.
Many adults have shared their experiences in books, blogs and with each other. It is heartwarming to read the views from a child - her anxiety, her descriptions and her resolve. Amia Wheatley may be young but she has been able to express herself clearly about a major storm that impacted her life and caused major destruction in her homeland.
