For Goodness’ Sake: The Story Behind the Saint James 9/11 Bereavement Support Group

by Pamela Koch

After 9/11, many Americans were left with a question held deep in their hearts: How could the grief-stricken families go forward after such traumatic, catastrophic loss? For one group of families directly affected by this tragedy, the downstairs of a local Catholic church in the small town of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, would set the stage for an answer.

For Goodness' Sake offers a window into the workings and surroundings a 9/11 bereavement support group held in the Saint James Church, where 76 families and 104 children came together to face their grief and seek answers. Author Pamela Koch shares the stories of the families and the volunteers who rallied together in outreach, where she and her team used a holistic approach to grief to provide unimaginable, creative counseling sessions over a two-year period. Families would be transformed through these uplifting sessions, even paying it forward and helping Pam through a T-cell transplant for her acute myelogenous leukemia.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks, a small New Jersey town with a big heart would come together to aid grieving families--and goodness prevailed! In the end, the story of the Saint James 9/11 Bereavement Support Group is a story of an amazing outpouring of faith, hope, and unconditional love upon the families so unforgettably touched that September day.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2019

Reviews

[Mark R · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For Goodness Sake, An Inspirational Memoir” is a must read for all Americans, as well as all whose lives have been affected by complicated traumatic grief. The author, Pam Koch, shares a very personal and inspiring story of how a small town in NJ came together to help the families of the victims of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks. Along with her angel volunteer network, Pam shares invaluable pearls of wisdom of caring for and supporting those who have experienced unspeakable grief. Bereavement programs from all around the world would benefit from implementing the program Pam gave so selflessly and passionately to the St James 9/11 Bereavement Support Group. As a family member who attended those sessions, Pam is a modern day saint who gave us our smiles and hope in humanity back!!! This book documents fully the goodness that far outshined the darkest of days.

[Kerry Gilrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our current world filled with the darkest of tragedies, it’s important to look out for each other. I loved this book for all of it’s how to on survival and lending your heart because some day you’ll need someone to lend you theirs.

[Michele Bocchi-Sandello · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an honor it is to know Pam Koch. Through my personal experience following 9/11, Pam helped me get back on the road to healing and showed me how to begin living a "new normal" life. She taught me how to smile again, and for that I will be forever grateful. This book brought back so many memories of our weekly gatherings that I forgot about. Once I started it, I could not put it down. It's a must read book for everyone, not only for those personally affected by the events of 9/11.

[Sharkmom]

In a time of such sadness and despair these people were
guided by an Angel. I believe, that in such a loving way,
they were actually able to come together, hold one another up and even create some beautiful memories even though their hearts were so broken . A beautiful story not to be missed.

[Rob Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a touching a story. This book is a great reminder of all the good that came out of people in response to such a terrible tragedy. Definitely worth a read.