Compassion and Courage in the Aftermath of Traumatic Loss: Stones in My Heart Forever presents a moving glimpse into the mind and heart of a mental health clinician who volunteered after the World Trade Center attacks. Written as the events unfolded, this memoir gives a behind-the-scenes view of disaster response, including the mechanics of developing a plan, setting up systems to address the needs of survivors and victims' families, and the responses of those who suddenly found themselves in the midst of one of the most traumatic events in recent history. The author illustrates through this very personal journal the reactions of families, the stages of grief, the stages of compassion fatigue, coping with trauma exposure, the effects of the disaster on survivors and disaster workers, and ultimately, the touching lessons learned of compassion, strength, hope, and courage.