The Last Rose: A True Celebration of Eternal Life

Baltimore's water taxi accident survivor shares journey of hope and renewal

On March 6, 2004, Thomas E. Pierce boarded a water taxi in Baltimore's Inner Harbor along with his daughter and wife, not knowing that his life would soon change forever. After a violent gust of wind struck the Lady D water taxi, it capsized and poured all 25 passengers into the frigid waters. While Pierce was left clinging to the upturned boat awaiting rescue, his wife and daughter did not survive. The accident claimed the lives of five passengers, including Pierce's daughter, Lisa, and his wife of 37 years, Jo Ann.

In the aftermath of such a traumatic event, it's hard to imagine how anyone could bare the overwhelming grief that comes with the sudden death of a loved one. Yet Thomas E. Pierce has become a source of inspiration for many. By relying on faith and his undying love for Lisa and Jo Ann, Pierce turned the personal tragedy into a lesson for anyone dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one.

To memorialize the lives of his lost loved ones, Pierce authored, The Last Rose: A True Celebration of Eternal Life, in which he shares how the accident changed his life forever. The Last Rose begins with Pierce's chilling description of the accident scene and what it was like surviving one of the worst accidents in Baltimore's history. The story quickly evolves into an inspirational, uplifting tale about the power of love and how Pierce was able to move on with his life.

Although the book gives the reader a grim understanding of what that day was like, The Last Rose is not solely about the accident. It story is about the power of love - love as we know and understand it, and love that goes beyond our understanding. Pierce outlines events that led up to the fatal accident that defy all logic and explanation, proving to Pierce the existence of life after death. The book is a celebration of two lives whose memories will live forever.

"My goal is to not only honor the memories of my wife and daughter, but to encourage others who are grieving a tragic loss to share their feelings," says Pierce. "It's important to remember that life goes on after death, and the power of love is able to heal all wounds."

Pierce has been a computer programmer and consultant most of his life, but has become a professional speaker and writer since the accident. He has shared his compelling story to numerous audiences, including a fundraiser for the Red Cross, memorial services for the accident victims, a dedication ceremony at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and at the Day of Remembrance at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.




$7.99