I Will Never Stop Thinking About 9/11

As Director of Marketing working in a suburban Dallas hospital, that morning I accompanied a nurse manager rounding on patients in the Women’s Center. We visited briefly with new mothers and babies in LDRP (labor-delivery-recovery-postpartum) rooms, asking for feedback on their hospital experience/s.

Walking from room to room most patients’ TVs were on. Soon our discussions turned to what we all were seeing.

“A plane flew into a building in New York City.”

“How could that happen? Those towers are huge.”

After visiting several rooms — and following the second crash — it became apparent these events were no accident.

We returned to the nursing station, joining other employees. We held hands tightly and prayed. Next, my pager went off. I went to the administrative conference room to meet with our senior leadership team.

Because the hospital was an “open” facility — at least in areas including lobbies and cafeterias — messaging about the day’s events was critical.

I drafted, printed out, and posted signage at all hospital entrances. The message was something like: “Attention visitors: Because of today’s events, you may notice an increased security presence throughout the hospital. Your safety is important to us.”

I won’t forget 9/11.

Even today, I think about those who lost their lives. The injured. Their families and friends.

And reflect on new beginnings. Birth.