The idea for the site originated four years ago in 1997 as I watched the worldwide grief response to the deaths of Princess Diana and Mother Teresa. Two years later in 1999, the need to continue the site was confirmed again first with the tragic shootings in Columbine and then following the death of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife and sister-in-law. Now again, two years later, the events of September 11 have reinforced the importance of the materials, the resources and the education we are providing on the Journey of Hearts site.

Like no other event, except perhaps the attack on Pearl Harbor, this most recent tragedy shocked, angered, enraged, numbed, and horrified much of a nation, if not the world. It also sensitized people around the world to what it is like to experience loss and the grief response. We can only hope that this tragic event has served to educate the public and professionals people about loss, the grief response, what is a "normal" response and when to seek further help. Perhaps what this event has done is provide the public and also professionals with information and educated them so that in the future when other disasters or tragedies occur, people can understand more about the grief response, better cope with losses, and ultimately aid in the recovering and healing process.