JUST OVER THREE months have passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11. To say that this has been an autumn we will never forget is an understatement. For several weeks after the tragedies in New York, images of the attacks, memorial services, rescue efforts at Ground Zero and inspirational speeches from national leaders filled the mass media. We saw an unprecedented outpouring of patriotism and charitable giving. The catastrophe in New York even prompted Red Sox fans to root for the hated Yankees and the even more hated Roger Clemens during this fall’s World Series (whether we will admit it or not).

At the same time, we felt helpless yet determined to somehow contribute and make a difference. As we grappled with these emotions, our unease grew in the days immediately following the attacks. Wall Street floundered and many worried that national and local economies would suffer a recession made worse by September 11. Then our military forces were mobilized and the bombing of Afghanistan began. We were warned to expect a long and costly war. Fears heightened with the anthrax scare, and speculation spread that other weapons of mass destruction were in the hands of terrorists. We questioned airport security and whether commercial air flight was too risky. Who among us, upon first learning of the tragic crash of the American Airlines jetliner bound for the Dominican Republic from JFK Airport, did not immediately fear the involvement of terrorists?

By Thanksgiving, however, things seemed to improve and our sense of control over our lives began to return. The military effort in Afghanistan made quick progress, and with any luck, by the time this article is published, Bin Laden and his generals will have been captured, dead or alive. Most of us are back into the swing of our practices, hustling once again to "make budget" by year’s end. Even the national recession appears to have hit bottom, and a rising stock market coupled with falling interest rates seem to be a precursor to better times to come in 2002. Locally, the civic center in Manchester has successfully opened with large crowds and headliner events.

We have entered the swing of the holiday season with a sense of recovery. Holiday parties have been planned, and we have joined the teeming, spending masses at the malls. On the day after Thanksgiving ("Black Friday" being too mild a description), your humble Bar president (hereinafter "YHBP") experienced the guilty pleasure of speaking loudly (OK, screaming) at a pedestrian on Newbury Street in Boston who appeared to be trying to spike his stroller (baby presumably included) on the hood of YHBP’s car. Fear not, my loyal readers – YHBP only engages in such cathartic exercises outside of New Hampshire, and when possible, under cover of darkness.

While we are slowly regaining a sense of normalcy and we don’t feel quite as numb and lost as we did three months ago, we know the images and impact of September 11 will remain with us for a long time. Most of us have reached some decision as to how we will personally cope with the aftermath. Some of us, consciously or unconsciously, have rearranged our personal and professional priorities. Issues that seemed critical prior to the WTC attacks have receded in importance. Those family matters that were often subordinated to work and financial pressures have taken on greater priority if not urgency. Perhaps we are making more of an effort to show a more human side to co-workers and colleagues of the bench and Bar.

Whatever it is, most of us have made some positive changes in our lives as the result of September 11. This holiday season offers us a chance to make permanent improvements in the people we are and in how we lead our lives.

In the next issue of Bar News in January, not to be outdone by my presidential counterpart at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I will provide you a written address on the "State of the Bar," which I can assure you is strong, exciting and poised to provide unprecedented member and public service during the next year. That, however, is for later. For now, I would like to personally thank all of you for the strong and vocal support you have shown Bar leadership during this past year of unparalleled challenge and opportunity. Your support has meant a lot to us, and we have been honored to serve you and our great profession in New Hampshire. From the "West Wing" of 112 Pleasant St., and on behalf of the Board of Governors and staff of your Bar Association, I wish you and your family a safe, peaceful and happy holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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