We have books on how to investigate accidents and “deal” with surviving families. These stories offer varied perspectives on what it is like to be thrust into unimaginable horror, but do so at a distance and a cost to our understanding. But do we really understand how events unfold for them? And even if we think so, do we really understand what tools to bring to their aid? Who speaks for them?
Now an author takes us behind closed doors with this first-hand account of a close-knit family that was wrapped in all-consuming sorrow while struggling to preserve the life they once knew.
In the Wake of the Storm provides a voice for families left behind, not only by the American Eagle accident at Roselawn but by any event that results in sudden loss of life. Terri brilliantly guides us through a tangled web of unbearable pain heightened by the absence of compassion and by corporate ineptitude.
Beautifully written, it will have you both smiling and crying. Impossible to put down, it transports you to a world that few know exist. It is enlightening reading for everyone confronted with the loss of loved ones.
Thank you, Terri. You have honored them all!
Shawn Pruchnicki, MS ATP CFI-I
Chief Researcher Human Factors
Investigation and Education, LLC
This award-winning book captures the reader’s attention and does not let go. Written with eloquence and grace rather than animosity, its pages beg to be turned. The transcendentally inspired author takes us places that most of us would never dare to tread.
The story depicted in this masterpiece, related with such sympathy and empathy, must be experienced in order to understand what a person endures when faced with the loss of a loved one, whether on an individual basis or in a mass tragedy.
I thank Terri for having the courage to gather the facts through her own sorrow and suffering, and leave us all a little better off for her willingness to get involved. She honors the outstanding and caring work of first responders, and many other considerate and loving individuals she met as she unraveled the puzzle of why that plane went down. Along the line, she became an advocate for the passengers on that ill-fated flight and for all of us who travel by air.
This book proves that love trumps all; that purpose pursued to a noble end is powerful; and that anyone with a mission can change the world. I highly recommend In the Wake of the Storm.
Dan Moran, General Manager
Calumet Park Cemetery
This is one of the most informative and sensitive books on trauma and what is truly needed for people to transcend from the depths of despair to empowerment and personal growth. In the Wake of the Storm is a captivating story of family love, loss, and heart-rending renewal.
As a therapist, I have witnessed great emotional pain in people’s lives; now, having read In the Wake of the Storm, I have a greater understanding and appreciation of where our work must begin, as well as how we, as human beings, can better care for one another. A must read!
Marci Kagen
Master of Social Work (MSW)
This is such an important book. It was required reading for my entire production team. Terri's writing is so artful and poignant and helps readers to truly understand the confusing, unfair, devastating consequences of a tragedy ... and most important, that hope, life and goodness will and do spring again.
Ky Dickens, Director
Sole Survivor, Award-winning CNN documentary
This account of the crash of American Eagle 4184 is one of great pain and determination. The loss of loved ones on that Halloween night was compounded by an airline’s broken communication. In its aftermath, the efforts of Terri and others to find the truth have forever changed the way airlines and government investigators deal with victims of tragedy.
Paul Meincke, Reporter
WLS-TV, ABC 7 News
A poignant, first-hand account of tragic loss and the personal strength one gains in seeking answers and accountability. It is a deeply expressive story of devastation and redemption. Anyone who has experienced the violent loss of a loved one and felt that no one could understand their pain will see through this account that they are not alone, find comfort in this story and hope in its message.
Keith S. Franz
Nationally Recognized Victims’ Rights Advocate
This book will serve as an essential guide for those who respond to tragedies, forcefully arguing that true and timely help is much needed by families that remain “in the wake of the storm.”
Glen “Butch” Cain, Fireman
First Responder for Lake Township Fire Department
I had to tell you how very much I enjoyed your book. You powerfully convey how you harnessed your unfathomable grief and deep love to make positive change in so many ways. It should be mandatory reading for every airline safety and emergency response professional. The more I've thought about it, the more I'm in awe that you were able to write it, and to do so with such grace. Thank you for the profound difference that you have made in the lives of others.
Sue Warner-Bean
Emergency Response Planning
I recommend Terri’s book for everyone who works in aviation, law, counseling, or in any profession working with people. Her generously shared insight offers priceless lessons and enlightenment.
Donald L. McCune, Former Captain, Northwest Airlines
Aviation Attorney, Motley Rice LLC
Absolutely insightful! The tragedy endured by Terri and her family was devastating, yet, through their experience we have learned invaluable lessons.
Bill Dirring
Airline Care Team Manager
I just finished reading In the Wake of the Storm and am speechless. This is a wonderful, first-person account of a life experience none of us ever expects to endure. It shows love, faith, understanding, and most of all, hope. From one author to another: Terri is a great writer. I wholeheartedly endorse this book.
Stephen Fredrick
Author, Pilot
Now an author takes us behind closed doors with this first-hand account of a close-knit family that was wrapped in all-consuming sorrow while struggling to preserve the life they once knew.
In the Wake of the Storm provides a voice for families left behind, not only by the American Eagle accident at Roselawn but by any event that results in sudden loss of life. Terri brilliantly guides us through a tangled web of unbearable pain heightened by the absence of compassion and by corporate ineptitude.
Beautifully written, it will have you both smiling and crying. Impossible to put down, it transports you to a world that few know exist. It is enlightening reading for everyone confronted with the loss of loved ones.
Thank you, Terri. You have honored them all!
Shawn Pruchnicki, MS ATP CFI-I
Chief Researcher Human Factors
Investigation and Education, LLC
This award-winning book captures the reader’s attention and does not let go. Written with eloquence and grace rather than animosity, its pages beg to be turned. The transcendentally inspired author takes us places that most of us would never dare to tread.
The story depicted in this masterpiece, related with such sympathy and empathy, must be experienced in order to understand what a person endures when faced with the loss of a loved one, whether on an individual basis or in a mass tragedy.
I thank Terri for having the courage to gather the facts through her own sorrow and suffering, and leave us all a little better off for her willingness to get involved. She honors the outstanding and caring work of first responders, and many other considerate and loving individuals she met as she unraveled the puzzle of why that plane went down. Along the line, she became an advocate for the passengers on that ill-fated flight and for all of us who travel by air.
This book proves that love trumps all; that purpose pursued to a noble end is powerful; and that anyone with a mission can change the world. I highly recommend In the Wake of the Storm.
Dan Moran, General Manager
Calumet Park Cemetery
This is one of the most informative and sensitive books on trauma and what is truly needed for people to transcend from the depths of despair to empowerment and personal growth. In the Wake of the Storm is a captivating story of family love, loss, and heart-rending renewal.
As a therapist, I have witnessed great emotional pain in people’s lives; now, having read In the Wake of the Storm, I have a greater understanding and appreciation of where our work must begin, as well as how we, as human beings, can better care for one another. A must read!
Marci Kagen
Master of Social Work (MSW)
This is such an important book. It was required reading for my entire production team. Terri's writing is so artful and poignant and helps readers to truly understand the confusing, unfair, devastating consequences of a tragedy ... and most important, that hope, life and goodness will and do spring again.
Ky Dickens, Director
Sole Survivor, Award-winning CNN documentary
This account of the crash of American Eagle 4184 is one of great pain and determination. The loss of loved ones on that Halloween night was compounded by an airline’s broken communication. In its aftermath, the efforts of Terri and others to find the truth have forever changed the way airlines and government investigators deal with victims of tragedy.
Paul Meincke, Reporter
WLS-TV, ABC 7 News
A poignant, first-hand account of tragic loss and the personal strength one gains in seeking answers and accountability. It is a deeply expressive story of devastation and redemption. Anyone who has experienced the violent loss of a loved one and felt that no one could understand their pain will see through this account that they are not alone, find comfort in this story and hope in its message.
Keith S. Franz
Nationally Recognized Victims’ Rights Advocate
This book will serve as an essential guide for those who respond to tragedies, forcefully arguing that true and timely help is much needed by families that remain “in the wake of the storm.”
Glen “Butch” Cain, Fireman
First Responder for Lake Township Fire Department
I had to tell you how very much I enjoyed your book. You powerfully convey how you harnessed your unfathomable grief and deep love to make positive change in so many ways. It should be mandatory reading for every airline safety and emergency response professional. The more I've thought about it, the more I'm in awe that you were able to write it, and to do so with such grace. Thank you for the profound difference that you have made in the lives of others.
Sue Warner-Bean
Emergency Response Planning
I recommend Terri’s book for everyone who works in aviation, law, counseling, or in any profession working with people. Her generously shared insight offers priceless lessons and enlightenment.
Donald L. McCune, Former Captain, Northwest Airlines
Aviation Attorney, Motley Rice LLC
Absolutely insightful! The tragedy endured by Terri and her family was devastating, yet, through their experience we have learned invaluable lessons.
Bill Dirring
Airline Care Team Manager
I just finished reading In the Wake of the Storm and am speechless. This is a wonderful, first-person account of a life experience none of us ever expects to endure. It shows love, faith, understanding, and most of all, hope. From one author to another: Terri is a great writer. I wholeheartedly endorse this book.
Stephen Fredrick
Author, Pilot
When we heard about the crash of Flight 4184, my husband immediately called the Red Cross. We were informed that all personnel and equipment were to be prepared to assist with the operation the next morning.
An amazing number of volunteers and staff showed up at the fire station to help, displaying a true outpouring of compassion for the victims’ families. The National Guard, fire departments, the Red Cross, friends, neighbors, and too many others to mention put forth a truly heartfelt effort to support, feed, and comfort any and all that were in need. But the psychologists, therapists, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters, paramedics, and others present could not have anticipated the magnitude of what they were about to undertake.
Being an EMT, I had seen many tragedies. But nothing that prepared me for what I was about to see. I only went to the crash site once to help with the search: I could not bring myself to go back. To this day, that scene stays in my mind and in my heart.
We thank Terri for having the courage to document her ordeal. This account filled us with hope and promise, for Terri pays tribute to the work that we volunteers do, and reminds us that there is purpose and meaning beyond every difficulty that we encounter.
Sandy Hostetler , EMT & Former Red Cross Volunteer
Barry Hostetler , EMT & Former Red Cross Chairman of Logistics
An accurate account of what it is like to have disaster crash down upon your family. Through the author’s eyes, you see the pain, emotional roller coaster, and healing process that takes place after a disaster.
Ms. Severin writes eloquently about the aftermath of the crash, the callous reaction of the airline, and the drive which brings people affected by tragedy together to do something, anything, to find out the truth, ensure it does not happen again, and work to better the ways families are treated.
A must read for anyone who has lost loved ones—or knows someone who has--in such a devastating way. It is a compelling read--you cannot stop turning the pages. It will give you insight you could never have otherwise had.
Richard Mack, Former President of Victims of Pan Am Flight 103
Brother of William Mack, Lost on Pan Am Flight 103
This emotionally moving book is an extraordinary exposition of a commercial airline tragedy as told through the eyes of one grieved survivor. No one should ever be treated like the family survivors of Flight 4184 were treated--and because of the unrelenting efforts of the author, no family will have to endure the same nightmare. Your eyes will be opened, your heart lifted, and your spirit renewed by this book!
Daniel Walz
Disaster Recovery and Contingency Planning Professional
The compelling story about how one very brave woman dealt with horrendous tragedy. While most people would withdraw into grief, the author instead applied much of that emotion into manifesting critical changes in the aviation industry.
This excellent book provides deep insight as it describes, intimately, how the author was able to move beyond sorrow and transition into a new life. I highly recommend it.
Jeff Maziarek
Author, Spirituality Simplified
Terri will take you on a journey through personal tragedy and triumph that will remind you how precious family ties really are and show you how average people really can make a difference. Next time you fly with a commercial airline, you'll remember Terri and be grateful.
David Aubrey
Publishing Consultant
An amazing number of volunteers and staff showed up at the fire station to help, displaying a true outpouring of compassion for the victims’ families. The National Guard, fire departments, the Red Cross, friends, neighbors, and too many others to mention put forth a truly heartfelt effort to support, feed, and comfort any and all that were in need. But the psychologists, therapists, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters, paramedics, and others present could not have anticipated the magnitude of what they were about to undertake.
Being an EMT, I had seen many tragedies. But nothing that prepared me for what I was about to see. I only went to the crash site once to help with the search: I could not bring myself to go back. To this day, that scene stays in my mind and in my heart.
We thank Terri for having the courage to document her ordeal. This account filled us with hope and promise, for Terri pays tribute to the work that we volunteers do, and reminds us that there is purpose and meaning beyond every difficulty that we encounter.
Sandy Hostetler , EMT & Former Red Cross Volunteer
Barry Hostetler , EMT & Former Red Cross Chairman of Logistics
An accurate account of what it is like to have disaster crash down upon your family. Through the author’s eyes, you see the pain, emotional roller coaster, and healing process that takes place after a disaster.
Ms. Severin writes eloquently about the aftermath of the crash, the callous reaction of the airline, and the drive which brings people affected by tragedy together to do something, anything, to find out the truth, ensure it does not happen again, and work to better the ways families are treated.
A must read for anyone who has lost loved ones—or knows someone who has--in such a devastating way. It is a compelling read--you cannot stop turning the pages. It will give you insight you could never have otherwise had.
Richard Mack, Former President of Victims of Pan Am Flight 103
Brother of William Mack, Lost on Pan Am Flight 103
This emotionally moving book is an extraordinary exposition of a commercial airline tragedy as told through the eyes of one grieved survivor. No one should ever be treated like the family survivors of Flight 4184 were treated--and because of the unrelenting efforts of the author, no family will have to endure the same nightmare. Your eyes will be opened, your heart lifted, and your spirit renewed by this book!
Daniel Walz
Disaster Recovery and Contingency Planning Professional
The compelling story about how one very brave woman dealt with horrendous tragedy. While most people would withdraw into grief, the author instead applied much of that emotion into manifesting critical changes in the aviation industry.
This excellent book provides deep insight as it describes, intimately, how the author was able to move beyond sorrow and transition into a new life. I highly recommend it.
Jeff Maziarek
Author, Spirituality Simplified
Terri will take you on a journey through personal tragedy and triumph that will remind you how precious family ties really are and show you how average people really can make a difference. Next time you fly with a commercial airline, you'll remember Terri and be grateful.
David Aubrey
Publishing Consultant