Lee Ielpi, a retired New York City Firefighter, shares his experience of 911 in this NPR story about the September 11th Families’ Association’s Tribute WTC Visitors Center. As you listen to Lee speak, you hear in his voice the love he has for his work, his city, and his fellow firefighters.
Lee’s voice softens when he tells the story about his conversation with one of his two firefighting sons as his son got the call to go to the World Trade Center. As Lee tells the story of those days through his son, you hear the beauty of the strong love this man has for his family and his mission. He expresses no hatred, just mourning for the son and fellow firefighters who lost their lives. In Lee’s vulnerability you feel the strength of what it is to be a man who loves.
The price you may pay for love is loss. You hear no regret for paying that price in Lee’s voice.
In this NPR story you get a slice of one man’s new mission: to share his love with the world one visitor at time. Lee’s story illustrate the instinctual bond men have for each other when joined together in a mission, and the primal urge to watch the back of another man. For some men it is the love of a mission, and those involved in it, that opens their heart beyond what they felt possible.
As a man, what “missions” have opened you up to feeling more connected to other men? If you are a woman, where have you seen this happen for a man?
