On September 12, 2001, I went out to Jones Beach and just stared out at the ocean. The only thing to see was a naval ship patrolling the shore. There were quite a few people out there, but no one was speaking. It was as though we were all seeking solitude so we could gather our thoughts in an attempt to process the enormity of what occurred the day before. All I kept wondering was how could such a devastating thing happen on a cloudless day with a bright blue sky - one of the most exquisite days of the year.