story3111.xml

story3111.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I could believe what I heard on the radio and from my co-workers. The day that the Twin Towers were hit is was at work like any other normal day. I had just dropped my daughter off for school and took that long hour drive to work in Mankato,Minnesota. My co-workers and I were working on some inventory and then it happened. Some one announced that the towers were hit. I laughed and said you got to be kidding right. They said no do you think I am. Well the frantic panic set in. My younger brother Loren worked only 6 blocks from there. I just asked my manager I might be getting a call as he does work that close to them. The day went on and I didn't hear a word from him. I tried reaching him on his office phone but there was no answer as the phone lines were down. I keep calling and still no answer. I thought well no new is bad news. I called his home and no answer as he lived in New Jersey. Thinking that maybe someone would pick up there on that end. Still no answer. I was frantic with fear and panic and crying in my husband's arms and worrying no able to contact them. Three days went by and Loren finally contacted me and said "Sis, I am ok, and I love you." My heart just starting to pump like wild fire in a forrest fire. I cried and cried. We were chatting and he said that his crew from the volenteer fire department has been taking their turn in helpping with the clean up and also checking to see if a friend of his family was and safe from this terrible mess. After receiving the call, I turned and hugged my kids and my husband. The affect hit to close to home too. My youngest daughter(who is 12 soon truning 13 in November),was traumatized with the whole ordeal. She was as school at the time and not able to find me as I was at work and my husband on the road. She didnt want to leave the house after that. It has taken a whole year or more for her to get back to where she is today. Back to her bubbly little girl that she is. Well all realize how precious life is and how much we have taken for granted. We enjoy life to the fullest now and remembering that life is way to short. So now each morning I give my children a hug and a kiss and tell them that I love them before they are off to school or leave home. I will soon be a grandmother for the first time and hoping to give my grandson the life that he deserves too. My life is changing and enjoy life to the fullest. I charish my friendship with my friends too. Well this is my story.. Angela Lepp-Mountain Lake, Minnesota