LittleSpooky said on September 11, 2002 18:50:

Just a little preamble before jumping into this:

I was by the Utah Children’s Museum when this tragedy occurred. I drive bus for Utah Transit Authority and was at work, on my route. I found out about it about 45 minutes later when I was 35 miles north of Salt Lake City. I had been in the garage up in Ogden (some 50 miles north of Salt Lake), for about 3 minutes when the towers went down.

At the time, I and others, were completely flabbergasted (stunned, shocked pick a word). Because of the state of shock I was in, I will admit that Lars had slipped my mind. I drove back to Salt Lake on my route and then went home for a nap. When I woke up, all hell broke loose in my world because I realised that Lars *COULD* have been there. I had prayed like I have never prayed before.

I prayed for 3 things:
1) for all the lives lost
2) For all those still living
3) For Lars. I was hoping that if he was indeed dead, that it was quick and merciful. If he was alive, I was praying that he wasn’t even there.

No such luck. My friend Lars was indeed there. My mother called me periodically for the next 72 hours to see if there was anything she could do. When I heard that Lars was okay, I felt guilty that I was thrilled. Others weren’t so lucky. However, I have dealt with the feelings of guilt and continue to be thankful that Lars is still with us.

I worked with Lars on the NorthAmeriFans back in 2000. I had a blast just trying to figure out how to promote here in Utah. I used some of the resources of my job (my passengers and making up little posters and such to hang on the bus) to do this. There were a few phone calls between us, and I am thrilled still to this day, that I had that vocal contact with him.

Lars: You are my hero. That sounds rather odd, but you are. I value the fact that you have made a difference in my world out here and you continue to do so. One of these days, I’ll cowboy up and give you a call just to harrass you :o)

To All: Never forget those who lost their lives, but let’s not forget all those that survived and their families. They need our love and support too.

Tara Lee Hatch
Salt Lake City, Utah USA

gyllene_tjej said on September 11, 2002 21:19:

I admire the guy pretty much! Thanx for being with us!!!

Now itt is a good opportunity to think over what we all do here on the forum. Lars should feel we appreciate his work, but what does he get instead, tonz of people are hostile towards each other, so many of you still go on complaining and moaning... I think it is really not the best way to show our appreciation...

tevensso (moderator) said on September 12, 2002 09:45:

@Royalball: Your name wouldn’t be Ross Geller, would it? :)
L-EO is cool! Keep up the great work.

PerFanatic said on September 12, 2002 18:00:

hey coyboyusa, thank God you were far enough away to escape the danger. Still though, it had to be surreal watching those things go down live (not on TV). I don’t envy the feeling you must have had.