One year after the terrorist attacks on America, people are still coming to terms with their feelings. One year after the World Trade Center disaster, thousands of families continue to grieve and mourn. One year after perhaps the most devastating events in modern American history, people are still trying to cope with their emotions.

During the initial months and throughout this first year many people still were not sure how they felt or how they were supposed to feel. Such feelings as fear, hopelessness, sadness and anxiety often continue for prolonged periods, especially following an event of this magnitude. The images and sounds of September 11, 2001 will forever be etched in the human psyche. The only part of this senseless act that makes any sense is that it will always be with us.

With the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 disaster upon us it seems that the media, government and other well-meaning organizations were all trying to help us decide how to commemorate this event. Numerous retrospectives were produced for television and several commemorative publications were compiled. The governor asked us to ring bells. The president requested that we lower our flags. Our senators asked us to display our flags. What's an American to do?

The only answer is - do whatever makes you feel comfortable. There is no one correct way to mark the first anniversary of this event. We all grieve differently and we all react to trauma differently. We have been affected differently, therefore we commemorate September11 differently. But, it is truly the differences we display as a society that bring us together again during this difficult time.

People are commemorating this occasion in various ways. There have been numerous memorial services, periods of reflection, personal prayers and family consolations. The media has been ever present. The victims, survivors, families of victims, parents, children, rescue workers and every one of us is reflecting on this day differently. And, that is what's supposed to happen.

The best advice I can offer is that no matter who you are or how you've chosen to cope during the course of the past year, you need to do what feels right to you. Spend time with those people you want to be with, go to places that you want to go and do the things that will help you both commemorate the event and make you feel as if you're moving forward.

There are numerous organizations readily available to assist you with every need related to the anniversary of September 11, 2001. Most churches, synagogues, mosques, mental health agencies and human service organizations will keep their doors and hearts open to help those that want spiritual or psychological guidance. All of these resources are different, but it is these differences that will bring us together today and always.

For assistance you can call Project Liberty at Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services at 622-1536.