Kathryn Bedard

Jeff Hoerger, LPC, Director, Rutgers University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

Review date: 08/06/2008

People who respond to disasters have to navigate many different tightropes, between empathy and sympathy, between compassion and meddling, between support and smothering, between profound sadness and furious anger. Kathi allows us into her heart and soul by exposing myriad emotions that she went through during this time, and writes with great understanding, good humor, and grace. It is painful to read, difficult to put down, and easy to pick up over and over again. There are dozens of touching moments shared, experiences captured, epiphanies experienced. It is an uplifting story that reminds us of just how great we can be when we pull together through a tragedy.  Kathi’s experience honors all of those affected by the events of 9/11, which in one way or another, includes all of us. It honors the unsung heroes whom we meet on these pages. This book has caused me to revisit and re-examine my past experiences with crisis response, and has provided some great insights that remain with me for the future. I reread it when I need a quick shot of inspiration.