Book Description

In response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the state of New Jersey set up the Family Assistance Center at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Little has been shared about how New Jersey rapidly mobilized to care for individuals who felt the impact of the disaster. Stones in My Heart Forever was written as a journal in the field as events unfolded, giving us a rare glimpse into the internal operations of a disaster relief site. Stones in My Heart Forever is much more than a description of events: it is filled with soul-searing multi-sensory images of what the author witnessed and experienced alongside other responders who suddenly found themselves in the midst of this historical event. Most of us who pored over media accounts with tears in our eyes could not comprehend the staggering reality or the massive emotional rush of actually seeing America burning. This very intimate book allows us to become honored visitors who come to understand this disaster as never before when we share in the experiences of responders, families, and survivors, the stages of grief, the touching lessons of strength, hope, and courage, and the aftermath of repeated exposure to trauma there is a cost to caring. Stones in My Heart Forever is a testimony to American pride and resiliency, and confirmation of the ways in which simple, ordinary people rose to extraordinary heights of courage and compassion. It is a must read for clinicians, responders, educators, students, clergy. It honors all of us who have been affected by the events of September 11, 2001, especially the unsung heroes who we meet and come to know on these pages.