In her upcoming book, Angels in the Aisle: Miracles and Healing Beyond the Long Island Railroad Mass Shooting, Debra Weber shares her memories of that terrible day and her long road to recovery, both from her physical wounds and the psychological trauma that all survivors of such events must overcome. It is a story of inspiring heroes, her ‘angels’, those who helped her survive one of the first and most infamous mass shootings of the modern era and beyond, through months of pain and healing, and how faith and family carried her past that awful day. It is also a personal story, of Debra’s faith in God and her determination to find her own special path in life, a path she believes we all must discover in our own time and in our own way.
A successful businesswoman at the time of the tragedy, Debra was happily married, but she and her husband had been unable to conceive after many years of trying. When her injuries put adoption plans on hold, Debra focused on her recovery, and in so doing, found her special path – a path that included motherhood! Her miracle child was made known to her on the first anniversary of the massacre, bringing her recovery full circle with the gift of new life in a time of darkness.
“For a long time I was content that I had found my path. I had my life, my husband, and my beautiful son. I wanted to forget what had happened, to leave it all in the past. But with twenty years gone in the blink of an eye, and with such turmoil in the world all around us, I began to see how my story might help others who suffer from similar experiences. I decided to share my story, to tell people that no matter what obstacles we encounter, there is always a way past, there is always a light in the darkness. Even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, there is a path beyond, and God’s angels will help us find our way.
Colin Ferguson was not the only one walking the aisles of the train that day. I truly believe there were angels in the aisle. From the first responders to other survivors to the passengers who stayed behind after the shooting stopped to tend the injured, they were all guardian angels that night.
I am more than just a survivor of mass murder, I’m a living testament that miracles happen and angels do exist. I am a wife and a mother, defined not by the tragedy, but by the path I’ve chosen and by the many angels along the way who guided me.
It is my most fervent hope that this book will help those who have suffered the effects of PTSD for whatever reason, as well as their loved ones and all the guardian angels out there, the unsung heroes who help us through our darkest hours and into the light.”
- Debra Weber
AS SEEN ON
A&E Channel Series: Minute by Minute
Lifetime Channel’s Intimate Portrait of Carolyn McCarthy
2013 Film Documentary: LIRR Massacre by Director Charlie Minn
Currently appearing on Investigational Discovery Channel's "Terror on the Train" - Reviewed here by NY Magazine
in the press
Dr. Brianna Cancian
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center
Chesapeake & Virginia Beach, Virginia
http://www.cbtcenter.biz
&
The Anxiety Disorders Clinic of Hampton Roads
http://www.anxietydisordersclinic.net
“I think it is a very powerful story on multiple levels. The trauma itself was terrifying. It’s right up there on the list of every American’s worst nightmares. But what I especially find moving is your recovery. People need to know there is hope after trauma and so many of the survivors of the LIRR massacre prove that. Your story is proof positive that trauma is beatable! Thanks for sharing that hope with others who might not get it without your book.”
About the Author
Debra Weber is the author of the upcoming book “Angels in the Aisle: Miracles and Healing Beyond the Long Island Railroad Massacre.” Her story escorts readers through the harrowing yet inspirational account of surviving unspeakable tragedy and the journey to find her best life through faith, family, and fortitude. Growing up as the only child of loving parents in bucolic Murrysville, Pennsylvania, Debra met and married her soul mate and moved to New York City in her 20’s where she thrived in the aggressive world of finance as an Administrator/Bank Advisor for an investment firm during the raging bull markets of the 1980’s. After recovering from injuries suffered during the infamous Long Island Railroad Massacre in 1993, Debra retired and devoted herself to new motherhood and community service. She has served as president of the Winthrop University-Hospital TWIGS Auxiliary Board, Garden City Schools liaison to SEPTA Board, Garden City Community Church Auxiliary Board and chairwoman of the Walsingham Academy’s Parent Ambassadors External Marketing. A past member of the Executive Woman’s Golf Association in New York, her handicap remains undisclosed. Debra is currently a member of Toastmasters International Organization and shares her story whenever and wherever she is asked, from schools to churches to civic organizations, spreading her message of hope, charity and perseverance. She has appeared in numerous television shows and documentaries about the tragedy, as well. Debra lives in Virginia with her husband Bob, their miracle son Matt, and added pleasure of her 90 year-old Mother, Marge and a small menagerie of dogs.