Three weeks after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, UNMC’s Robin Zagurski went to New York as a volunteer psychological first responder for the American Red Cross.
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In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Zagurski — a social worker in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry — recalls a story from her experience in New York after Sept. 11.
“I was assigned to accompany a family who had lost a loved one during their first visit to Ground Zero. At that time, many people still held out hope that their loved ones may have been alive within the rubble. But when they got to the site, it became absolutely clear that no one could have survived.
“When the families arrived, construction workers stopped their work, took off their helmets and stood silent to acknowledge the presence of those who had lost loved ones. It was tearful, powerful and incredibly quiet.”
Robin, thank you for sharing this story! While driving in this morning and listening to the upcoming coverage, it made me realize how very blessed I am. While sitting in the chair that morning of 2001 nursing my beautiful baby, I watched what felt like the end of the world that day. I think the only thing that kept me calm was holding my son. I felt terrible for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives that day and I still keep them in our prayers. As a country, we are very lucky to have working soldiers and volunteers like you who continue to give their time back to those in need. Thank you and god bless you and those who continue to serve!
Katina Winters
Jennifer L. Dorsey-Howley, a Lincoln native, and her unborn child were lost in the towers collapse that day. Thank you, Robin, for your assistance to the families. I'm sure this is a difficult time for you remembering the aftermath of that horror.
Such a powerful story Robin. As horrible as those days were, the loving-kindness expressed by so many was incredibly moving. I'm glad you were there helping people begin to heal, as you have been repeatedly, in so many places disaster has struck. UNMC is beyond fortunate to have you.
Thank you Robin and the many firstresponders that helped us all get through those dark days following this attack. I remember you all every night in prayer…our country and the world is blessed to have people like you who always hold out a hand to lift someone else out of trouble when they need someone. Thanks to the soldiers who go far and above to keep us safe…God Bless you All !
Thanks for the sharing your memory, Robin. We need to revisit this part of our history in order to pay tribute to the men, women and children whose lives were lost or forever changed due to loss that day.