I talked to Brian the day after New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania were attacked. I had various misgivings about going ahead with our plans to climb the coming weekend, mainly due to emotional unrest. In the end, Brian convinced me of something which I now regard as central: we cannot afford as a people to crumple our lives, to double over in fear. This is the very definition of terrorism, after all.

There are too many real alternatives to list, but a few follow:

• Give blood
• Make a donation of time or money to one of many organizations aiding victims and families
• Volunteer time in your community
• Spend time with your loved ones, family, and friends
• Do whatever you can to support your country
• Don't buckle