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Anonymous (not verified)

February 21, 2020

Missing from the top of the world....The words of Ralph s family.

While sitting at my desk, staring out of my window looking north at the Toronto skyline with the most amazing bright beautiful blue sky, I heard the words ...two planes hit the World Trade Center in New York. I immediately thought two small planes had crashed mid-air and hit the towers. Boy was I shocked when I turn on the news. Words could not describe the sorrow I felt. At some point while I was watching the news two familiar faces appeared on TV. I can only describe it as bitter/sweet. My long lost Stephan and Ralph's father Hans talking about their search for Ralph. I was totally in shock I had no idea that someone I knew even worked in the World Trade Center...and for it to be it Stephan's brother broke my heart completely. I hadn't spoken to Stephan my ex-boyfriend in years, as I lost touch with him while he was traveling the world...but at that moment in time, I knew I had to talk to him as soon as I could and I had no idea how to reach him. The pain the family was in I could only imagine and I just had to find away to reach him and help anyway that I could.

Greatful for technology and the kind people who finally passed my emails on to Ralph's family I was able to speak to my sweet Stephan.

Fast forward 10 years and I am amazed at how Ralph's family is coping, especially after I read Han's book written in Ralph's honour (www.hotelbiz.com).

2001 was a very traumatic year for the family even before Ralph's death and I don't know how they did/do it.

Recently, I was fortunate to spend a wonderful afternoon with the Gerhardts and we shared funny stories about the two brothers growing up in Toronto with their dogs Lady and Wolf.

For me 9/11 still remains bitter/sweet and as I look to the stars I can only thank Ralph for bring Stephan back into my life...especially when I needed his strength, support, friendship and positive energy the most.

Ralph you will always be an angel to me!!!

Posted by Janet Lee Evans

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