From Where I Stand

by Melodie Homer

A decade after September 11, 2001, the nation continues to mourn what was lost on that sunny Tuesday morning: nearly 3,000 lives, and the innocence of a nation that will be forever changed. Many of us lost loved ones in those flames and every single one of us will never forget that day. LeRoy W. Homer Jr. was the first officer and co-pilot of United Flight #93 enroute to San Francisco the morning of September 11, the flight was diverted to Washington, DC before crashing into a deserted field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Had it not been for the heroic efforts of crew members such as LeRoy, the plane would have crashed into its intended target–the US Capitol–destroying more lives and the symbol of a nation united. Written by Homer’s wife, Melodie, From Where I Stand chronicles the events of that singular day and the “new normal” that ensued: medial calling for a quote every time a story broke related to September 11; raising children and celebrating their milestones while living with post-traumatic stress disorder; and standing up to LeRoy’s employer, United Airlines. How does one move on when their husband and father is headline news with little privacy to mourn? From Where I Stand is Melodie’s uplifting journey of how she moved forward as the eyes of the nation watched her every step. The killing of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011 may have been a victory for the country but for the individuals who were deeply and directly affected by his actions; his death did little to end the nightmare. From Where I Stand is a story the nation needs to hear, so we can all be reminded of this dark period in time, learn from a courageous women how to move forward and share in the triumph of this amazing woman as she rebuilds a life for herself and her children.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2012

About the author

Melodie Homer is a nursing instructor and the widow of First Officer LeRoy Homer. The president of the LeRoy W. Homer, Jr. Foundation, an organization that supports and encourages young adults wishing to pursue aviation careers, she lives in New Jersey with her two children.

To learn more about the foundation, and how you can get involved, visit leroywhomerjr.org.

Reviews

[Tracie Crawford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sad

I was hoping to hear the story of courage but sadly it was anger driven towards a President, other families and how she has been treated. I can't imagine what she went through and yet the ending was how wonderful it was for Barack Obama to be elected. the sad thing is we will never know the answers to what if....September 11 happened and we can only pray it doesn't happen again. I wish her well but was hoping for more inspiration than bitterness.

[Emily Mulcahy · Rating 2 out of 5]

“From Where I Stand” was an opinion piece on the events of September 11 from widow Melodie Homer. I picked this book up at the Flight 93 Memorial, expecting it to be about the events of Flight 93 and have more of an accurate depiction of the events on the plane.

The book opens saying the events of September 11 started November 2000 when president Bush was elected president and although I understand why she believes that in retrospect I knew this book was going to be extremely political.

And although Ms. Homer and I have the same political eye the book isn’t what I expected or wanted to be reading.

[Cris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a very easy read (in the way it's written not the content). I'm reminding myself that this is her story and her opinion but I am having a very hard time with a lot of things she has said! She admits to not watching or reading any news after 9-11, then condemns Bush for the war. She's not even an American, she's Canadian, and yet she slams our government over and over. I'm sorry, if you don't like it, go home, like you threatened to do if McCain won! Then you flip-flop back and forth, you don't want attention, but then your pissed when you don't get it? You're mad because people don't kiss your ass because your husband died on 9-11. Thousands lost family on 9-11, and even more since fighting the very people who caused those attacks! Yet, you admit you have only be to the 9-11 Memorial for Flight 93 once, once in 15 years!! That's teaching your kids about patriotism and their fathers legacy!!

[Cj Zawacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

FROM WHERE I STAND is the story of Melodie Homer. Melodie Homer sets the record straight on surviving what is left of her life and some other women of the pilots who lost their lives in the September 9/11 Attacks. Covering how many were notified of the loss of life of loved ones. The treatment of United Airlines, the press, the government, family and friends during a five year story of hardships. This is a brave story of the hidden side of that tragic aftermath.

The book is a true must read top remember and honor those who died on 9/11. A book for all of us to remember.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought Provoking

Melodie Homer included plenty of detail about the events of 9/11, and how it changed her life, and her daughter's life. I watched the movie, Flight 93, after starting to read her book. Most of the book was painful to read, heartbreaking at times. This woman has been through Hell. I hope that writing about her story and feelings gave her at least a small amount of closure.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

read a little over half can got bored with it. Thought it would be more interesting, but it was kind of just her complaints.