If you yourself have not given a second thought today, you are an odd bird or are still in denial.  Please realize that there are people around you who are experiencing this all over again in their own way, and they should be allowed to do so.  Don't minimize their their feelings or the seriousness of it.  Reach inside yourself and be compassionate.  In general, this can be applied to any adversity.

I believe we all deal with difficult situations differently.  We can be taught, and we can learn, how to better deal with various difficult situations.  Until it comes to deep matters of the heart. 

At that time, although we may draw on learned skills, I sincerely believe that the only way we, personally and individually, can truly deal with how adversity effects us, is to experience it to the greatest and most honest extent.  That will mean different things for different people.  And will reflect varying degrees for different difficulties.

I also think it's an incredibly personal venture.  I, for one, have been affected by the events surrounding the terrorist attacks and the recovery efforts since, in a profound way.  I did nor know anyone who lost their lives and I don't know anyone who lost loved ones.  Not personally.  I live far away and honestly never really gave the twin towers a second glance before this happened.  I'm a country girl.  I don't even like going to the city let alone a huge city like New York.

I cannot put my finger on what exactly has affected me, only that I recognized within a few days that it was affecting me deeply and sincerely.  It effected me inside.  In turn this radiated to my work, my ability to attend classes, it triggered increased panic / anxiety problems which I have battled for years.  It radiated to my relationships all around.  The bottom line however, was that is effected me - deeply, personally.  I don't think I could, even now, effectively describe it with words.

Maybe because as a former medic I will always feel a certain compelling obligation to be 'there' to help.  Maybe because once an Airman always an Airman, I felt I should be somewhere doing something.  Maybe because I understand and can sympathize with the feeling of guilt an EMS worker feels — rational or not — that you should have done something more than you did, and how that guilt will linger with you — rational or not — for a long, long time — and I felt bad for them.  Maybe it's just because I'm an American and a patriot.

I am not an outwardly emotional person.  I consider myself strong and sturdy in the face of adversity - my own anyway.  But today I am still shedding tears at the media helps us remember.  With dozens of repeats of our National Anthem and the bagpipes of funerals, I weep.

We all give (gave) in our own ways.  Some gave labor, some gave money, some gave emotional / spiritual support.  I don't know what I gave, but could never be enough.  Today however, this website is not only a gesture to give tribute, but it is also one way I deal with my own feelings.  It's been good for me to put it together while watching all of the television coverage in remembrance.  I hope it will do some good for someone else.