Letter: Las Vegas, and nation, appear to be recovering

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002 | 8:25 a.m.

When we look back on 2001, there will be one overwhelming event that shadows all others: Sept. 11. The yearly recap of events in all our newspapers and magazines seemed almost unnecessary. Another moment in time has been frozen into the memories of every sentient human being.

In Las Vegas, we will remember not only the shock and numbing terror of the attacks, but also the unnerving sensation of our economy falling apart. Thousands of people were laid off in the weeks following the attack. Homeless numbers swelled as donations to local charities fell. We were no longer able to ignore our dependence on gaming.

Yet only a few months after the cataclysmic events in September, our nation and our city show steady signs of healing. People have done their best to live life normally, whatever that means today. Visitors have returned to our city, restoring some jobs and offering hope for continued recovery. Far from the smoldering remains of the World Trade Center, we move on with our lives.

We begin a new year unlike any other as we step forward into the unknown of 2002. The concerns and predictions of past years echo behind us like memories of a happy childhood. As you make your resolutions this year, I hope you resolve to love more, worry less, and live life to its fullest. Say a prayer for peace and healing, not just for America, but for the world.

TERRISA H. MEEKS