I have been writing this column for more than 40 years. Fifty-two times a year. Never before have I had such a feeling of despair – a feeling that there is nothing to write about except sadness, horror, disbelief – feelings of compassion, sorrow, and yes, sometimes fear. We have to cope with the monstrous horror that has been forced upon us, but cope we will. Each of us in our own way will dig deep, find the ability to gather new strength and new resolve, to do whatever the country must do to bring justice to right the wrongs and to fortify our country to be stronger, better, and more proud.

No sense in trying to find a topic or a theme to write about this Monday morning. I keep thinking about things that are happening – on television, in neighborhoods, on the radio, and everywhere. What are we supposed to do? Give blood to the Red Cross, money to the Salvation Army or other causes in great need. We can send food, clothing, boots and hats, and medical items. We can volunteer time to whatever place it is needed.

We can pause and consider what great burdens others must carry to meet this great emergency: the President, the heads of government agencies; our military leaders, men and women in the armed forces; the doctors and nurses, and all their co-workers who must administer to those who are hurt and wounded. Burdens don’t favor the workers in high office, but follow also to the volunteers who work around the clock at menial jobs and under terrible circumstances.

Imagine the pressure on the pilots who must fly the presidential planes and men accompanying the President. The demands of those who comprise the Secret Service, the skilled personnel of the FBI, and the agencies charged with protecting people and property – police, firemen, and so many others.

The ugly tentacles of disaster reach out to affect and encompass thousands of people in all walks of life.  Air service briefly curtailed so many travelers, but also it slowed down the deliveries of medicines and foods and mail and anything else serving the needs of citizens. We are a little spoiled, no doubt, but we are versatile and creative and tough, and we will manage.

I keep remembering so many things that affected us during World War II – rationing and many shortages of foods and tires and shoes and everyday things. The Korean conflict was the next thing that made for somber times. The war in Vietnam brought times of great discontent and dissention among our people. The Gulf War was not as lengthy. But it roused the feelings of patriotism and gave the country reason to unite and show its strengths and purpose. This war we face will be different, but we will cope and we will rally to whatever cause we need to pursue. We have leadership and we have a strong military that we must further strengthen and build upon. We won’t be stopped if public opinion continues as it has this week.

Then, we must mention the flags. Only two weeks ago I was writing about our flag and the origin of our National Anthem. Today I can only express wonder about the almost unbelievable display of flags that has occurred all over the country. Supplies in stores were depleted in only a day after we suffered this sickening attack. Those who did not need to buy a flag made haste to find whatever one they had, and within hours on Tuesday and on Wednesday, the stars and stripes were in prominent evidence everywhere. I thought of a week before when Newtowners had the nation’s largest flag flying across its Main Street as they enjoyed their annual parade. People who can’t do much else can at least fly the flag and help create the symbol of real solidity that we all feel so strongly.

I haven’t ever been so much at a loss as to what to write. For almost 60 years I have written for newspapers. It has never been this difficult before, so forgive this elderly reporter if this is a disjointed attempt at journalism under the stress of the greatest wrong our country has ever suffered. We will survive and we will win.

The words ending the column last week were by Ralph Waldo Emerson, from his essays.

Who said, “Death and sorrow will be the companions of our journey; hardship our garment; constancy and valor our only shields.  We must be united, we must be undaunted, we must be inflexible”?