I know this Advocate will arrive in October, but as I sit and write my article on this 5th anniversary of September 11th I can’t help but experience a myriad of emotions. I'm sure we all remember what we were doing that fateful day and we can be grateful that our country had the resolve not to  succumb to the terror we faced that day. Since that time, the press has inundated us with reports on how our country has or has not  progressed in the past five years. More importantly to me, however,  is how we as individuals have progressed in the past five years. Are we trying daily to improve ourselves, our spirituality, our relationships with family, friends, peers and all others with whom we come in contact? Are we giving something back? Those questions and how we answer them will measure the true progress of this great country.

Whether or not you agree with the war in Iraq and the "war on terror," we must not forget the brave men and women who defend this country. I recently ran into a friend's husband who had just returned from his tour of duty overseas. My first words were "thank you," as I shook his hand. I continued unabashed for several minutes noting how fortunate and grateful I was for having him "do his job" (as he described it) so that I could continue with mine and live my life unafraid.  Because of his efforts and those like him, we are all able to live our lives, in freedom.  Let us never forget that and the next time you see a member of our armed forces, extend a "thank you."

Again, I want to thank all of you who so generously donated to our "drives" to help our charity, FAMILY CRISIS CENTER OF BALTIMORE COUNTY. Recently, the Crisis Center lost its grant for part time legal services, and our bar association is committed to providing assistance to fill that need.  We are currently organizing brief "lectures" to be given to the residents of the center on topics of interest such as family law, custody, protective orders, etc. Thank you to those members who have given their time to help others and are "giving something back."