This book illustrates the very personal side of a public tragedy, the side that you don't hear about on the news. I admire the bravery of the author, who not only shares her most personal experiences, but who also became an unexpected advocate taking on the aviation industry. Engaging and well written, this story shows how people working together can make a difference. It's hard to calculate how many lives have been touched due to the industry changes following Flight 4184.
Dar Darley
This book is about life and how perseverance, hope, and above all faith, helped to heal the grief of families who lost loved ones. I have read and reread this book and given copies to family and friends, because it is a wonderful inspiration for us all.
Thanks to Terri Severin for her courage, her compassion, and her unyielding desire to seek the truth.
Pattie Jean Gallwas
Beverly, who was lost in the crash of Flight 3407, was one of four sisters and one brother in our family. I felt a connection as you described your close relationship to your sister.
I can't thank you enough for the efforts of your families and others before us, for setting up the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act. It helped us get through those first few weeks and more. I think it is so valuable to link with other families, both from our crash and other crashes, who have suffered this horrible shock and loss.
Karen Eckert
Advocate for Families of Continental Flight 3407
Ms. Severin's book grips the reader from its first lines, and never relents in intensity. Her journey will lead to lessons about the potential and resilience of the human spirit, and the power of intention to reshape one's world.
There are harrowing passages, and moments of transcendent insight. Equal parts crime scene investigation and spiritual meditation, documentary and diary, this legacy of love to those who were lost is a remarkable work.
Michael Ryder
American Medical Association
After reading your book I have hope that someday life will be normal, but I know we will never be the same. I will now always remember October 31, 1994, as well as February 12, 2009.
Tina Siniscalco
Sister of Mary J. Abraham, Lost on Continental Flight 3407, February 2009
My job interfered with the reading of this book! It was very hard to put down, and I shed many tears reading it; Terri's writing style had me vividly reliving the events.
It is amazing what one person or small group can do to effect change! This book is a must read for any person that has experienced love in their life.
Traci Jacobson
High School Special Education
I don't know when I've read a book that was so sad, yet so full of love and light; upsetting, yet able to make you see something much better in the midst of darkness. Terri has written from her own painful experiences yet pulls us all into seeing life differently after loss. She continues to work on making tragedies better for those involved and the airlines safer for us all. You do not want to miss out on her insights.
Dianne Unterbrink
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has experienced a close personal loss. Ms. Severin explains the frustrations of grief so clearly, yet shares her experience of seeking answers through the strength of old relationships, the unexpected pleasures of new ones, and the beauty of self-discovery amidst tragedy.
Sabrina Schultz
This book made such a difference in my life. I could not put it down. From the first page to the last, I felt personally involved, as it is written with so much detail and passion that I could see and feel everything described. Terri’s hard work and perseverance helped bring about major changes in the way family members are treated following a tragedy.
Beth Avraham
A beautiful and poignant story of a close, loving family and the after-effects of tragedy. Terri's quest to right the wrongs inflicted on her family and the other families whose loved ones perished on 4184 is nothing short of heroic. A must read!
Lynda Dannhauer
Terri took me step by step into the horrific event, walked me through her unfathomable loss, and showed me her heart and soul as she managed to get to a place of positive healing, finding some measure of justice and, yes, even forgiveness. She brought all the bad and all the good to light. I was right there with her in spirit as I read, and I feel her loved ones, those lost, were with her in spirit as she wrote.
Karen Stift
This is a beautifully written book about losing people very dear to you in the blink of an eye, crawling through the darkness of grief and learning to appreciate and love life again. It's been Terri's mission to force the aviation industry to take a long hard look at the way they treat families of loved ones lost and create change so that other's won't have to suffer over and above the way she and her family did.
Leslie Hansen
In the Wake of the Storm blew me away! I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to, I was dwelling on what an incredible story it is.
The book is beautifully and powerfully written. Terri effectively intertwines her writing style as being factual, emotional, honest, and mostly, human. As the story unfolded, I experienced a wide range of intense feelings; as if I was reliving it with her. Terri does a great job developing the personalities of the “characters” involved, I became emotionally involved with them. I had to keep reminding myself “This isn’t a novel--there will be no magical happy ending.”
This is a must read--for everyone!
Julie Calvey
It brings tears to my eyes and goose bumps from head to toe. I'm so incredibly proud of all you have done to ensure that the necessary changes were made. You are an inspiration!
Jann Pulfer Ledbetter
Your book was a total eye opener. You did a wonderful job and you’ve made a huge difference. I commend you for all that you have achieved in the wake of tragedy.
Linda McMillan