To Those in Enterprise: 10 Years Later

It was March 1, 2007 in Enterprise, Alabama. When this date and place are mentioned together, it brings emotional turmoil and a deep sense of sadness to many in our state. It was on that day an EF4 tornado destroyed Enterprise High School, killing eight students. It emotionally scarred many other students, family, faculty, friends, and rescuers, and in a way, many who just heard of the news of the day.

I heard the news, but I was too caught up in my own personal struggle, huddled in a Children's Hospital ICU with my husband, watching over our son. I caught glimpses of the horror in Enterprise on television, but I could not fathom its depths of despair, too embroiled in my own concerns. I recall thinking that the lives, hopes, and dreams lost that day deserved more than a furtive glance at the television. They deserved feeling and reflection, a personal sense of loss from a parent and physician who should understand the fleeting nature of life. How could I possibly know then, I would come to face-to-face several years later with some of the students who survived the devastation, as they sought their own personal release and redemption from that infamous day? And because of them maybe now, 10 years later, I can give the destruction of that day and the lives lost the reflection they deserve.

After my son recovered and I returned to work, I began to serve on our Medical School Admissions Committee. It was there I met several survivors of the tornado, as applicants to our medical school. It amazed me that out of a small surviving group, a significant number were seeking to minister to others through medicine. The students I met with spoke of the day that changed their lives forever, and how in time their lives became transformed and focused on serving others. They were poised, insightful, and reflective, but also dedicated and determined to make a difference in the lives of others, regardless of the personal cost. They seemed to know they would be called upon to make great sacrifices, but bore that knowledge dutifully and with conviction, perhaps because they were after, survivors. I still recall feeling inspired by their interviews and feel certain they are on their way to becoming compassionate physicians. I'm also certain other students affected by the horrors of Enterprise are seeking to heal their scars through service to others as well.

And so now, looking back almost 10 years later and knowing many survivors are moving on, my thoughts go to the families of those who lost loved ones. No human words can truly comfort the family of a lost child; I know this with certainty. But if I could say something to those who lost loved ones that day, it would be that some good did come out of the horrific tragedy; I know this with certainty. Young people who survived realized the fragility of life and set their hearts and minds on making a real difference in the lives of others. And older people like me stopped to reflect on their insights and rediscovered our passion for serving others through the eyes of these young survivors. The ripple effects are great, as all of us try to pass on the importance of compassion and service to those we teach.

Let us not forget Enterprise or speak of it in hushed tones, but let us remember it and those whose lives were lost, so they can inspire all of us to reach further and try harder to serve others with compassion, dedication, and humility. Tragic reminders of the difference we can make in other people's lives are always important, especially 10 years later.

In memory of the students who lost their lives: Michael Joseph Bowen, Peter James Dunn II, Andrew Joel “AJ” Jackson, Ryan Andrew Mohler, Kathryn Madora Strunk, Mikey Tompkins, Alice Michelle Wilson, and Jamie Ann Vidensek. ¹