2004 is upon us. My how the world changes. In the few short years since the new millennium, we have seen the depths of disaster, the tempered triumphs of victories, and the brightening hope from a steady climb from the pits of fear and recession.

As 2000 approached, there were predictions of catastrophe ranging from Y2K shutdown to the end of time. Although these dire forecasts proved untrue, the events that would transpire in the following few years would involve tragedy of such proportions that the planet would be forever changed.

As the economy teetered on the edge of recession, the world suffered a blow that would set in motion challenges that would take years to comprehend and address. Just over twenty months after the turn of the century, terrorists attacked the brightest beacon in the world for both economic, religious, and personal freedom. So great was the impact that in virtually every measure of life as we know it today, there is a clear distinction between before September 11, 2001 and after September 11, 2001.

Since then there have been other tragedies such as the shuttle disaster and other major events such as the capture of Saddam Hussein, but none other compare with the dramatic and penetrating events of September 11, 2001. On that day, the world in the new millennium changed. Aside from the direct economic impact of effectively shutting down the United States for days, the lingering fears and uncertainties guaranteed that consumers and workers would be reticent for months to come resulting in a recession that would linger longer and impact more.

As 2001 ended, the heart of the country remained wounded, the confidence of the country was shaken, and a feeling of uncertainty pervaded. With strong leadership, and the right tools, forces of the United States together with others routed the terrorist camps of the Taliban and sent their accomplices fleeing, to prisons, or to their graves. The fundamentals for a rebuilding economy were put in place - sometimes as a result of just good planning and sometimes in response to the events of the moment. As 2002 ended, the wounds had started to heal, confidence was beginning to be restored, and faith in America’s leaders started to take hold.

This year, the course stayed steady and the rewards of strong leadership started to emerge. A tyrant was overthrown, sent into hiding, and captured. His powerful image was de-mystified as his head was checked for lice. Continued stimulus revived the slumbering power of the American economic machine and signs of life and growth appeared. Yet, always in the back of our minds, there remained the pictures of September 11, 2003.

Then, just on the eve of Christmas came an elevated warning based on possible threats of terrorists’ attacks. A not-so-gentle reminder of the past, but in the context of our future. Life did not stop. The disruption was not as great. The fear was not as deep. The war went on.

As 2003 ends, our transition to new ways of life is well underway. With steady steps, we have climbed a bit further out of the hole left from September 11, 2001. Not as high as we want to be, but so much higher than we were.