When Shari Peterson was bumped from her assigned airline seat to seat 13F, she couldn’t know that this seat change, plus the unusual circumstances surrounding it, just saved her life.

On February 24, 1989, Shari Peterson was a passenger on the ill-fated United Flight 811 from Honolulu to Auckland.

Traveling four miles above the Pacific Ocean, the jumbo jet’s cargo door was ripped from its hinges, creating an enormous breach in the right side of the aircraft. Facing certain death, terrified passengers and crew were now at the mercy of the deadly incoming hurricane-force wind, ear shattering noise, and bitterly cold night air.

About the author

Shari Peterson was raised in the small rural Iowa farm community of fewer than 400 residents. While Shari and her two younger sisters were growing up within a farm community’s humble lifestyle, they witnessed their parents demonstrate that “small town, helping others” philosophy. Their family found ways to donate and contribute to their school, church and community.

Following the life altering event of United 811 in February 1989, Shari began her quest for understanding her own life. She began traveling extensively sharing her experiences and teaching personal development. One of her discoveries was her ability to effectively communicate and counsel people, empowering them to greater personal growth.