I grew up near an airport, the daughter of a ‘Screaming Eagle’ …planes taking off over the field where we played at the top of the hill. Two blocks from the end of the runway. A few times, we’d sneak over from the slides and swings to lie in the grass, just north of the white picket~fenced enclosure that housed runway signal lights.

Even still, when those  fighter jets with their orange and black pontooned wings would take off, my cat and I would race, terrified, to the back door and the indoor safety of our home.

Every year there was an airshow, at Billy Mitchell Field (now Mitchell International), either the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds would perform…There were tours of historic military planes, stunt airplanes, antique airplanes, biplanes with wing~riders….I rode in a bulbous front Bell Helicopter…I loved the sound and sight of planes in the sky…

Now I live a mile or so from an airport, a small one that would be called a ‘municipal’ airport most anywhere else…but it is International since it is on the coast and near the border…..So now, a plane, or helicopter approaches and I look up with a different sense of wonder…yet

I still love the sound and sight of planes in the sky…

Somehow, this story had some connection with the evolution of my ideas about healthcare…growing up in the time of strong unions, democratic humanitarian domestic policy, strong work ethics and strong women. We felt safe, and the world was just. There were many strict rules.

I prefer fewer simpler rules. Do things so they make sense. . Create processes that are efficient, customers and suppliers are consulted and design together. Politics are put aside. Money goes for value. Collaboration is valued.

Now is the time for us to realize the world has changed and to redesign how healthcare is delivered and compensated so that it makes sense. Time for adventure and collaboration.

Let us all tell our stories.