When we went into tonights VP, during the first battle, my phone rang. A very heavily used bridge in Minneapolis (over the Mississippi River) had collapsed during rush hour today. I kind of lost it as that is where all of my family resides. This bridge is near my sisters new home. She's been moving today and this is her route. My brothers take this route home too. I cannot reach her or anyone as the phones are overloaded. I'm sorry if I didn't pick a gag or toon someone up. Thanks for coverin my backside. You guys are great. I do know that it was the fastest VP I have ever been involved in. Now I'm just waiting for the phone to ring.

Oh Judy! I was not at the VP, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope that no news is good news.

Our thoughts are with you Judy. A friend in common relayed this info to me and my heart broke just thinking of what you are going through. {{{{HUGS}}}}

Oh, Judy, our thoughts are with you. No one blames you. For heaven's sake, this is a game. Friends and family come first and foremost! Hugs and prayers.

Judy, your family is in my prayers! Let's us know that everyone is ok.

I hope your family is okay. Ditto to what the other's said- its a game- don't worry yourself over what's happening when something happens in real life... just let it go!

I hope all is okay.

I heard about that disaster. I'm so sorry to hear that your family lives near there. I pray that they didn't get hurt from the disaster. I hope they're OK!

WOW! So sorry to hear that! Someone on TT mentioned it and I've had the news on ever since. Hope you hear something (good news)! real soon! Reminds me of San Fran after the earthquake.

Judy...I was there with you on my little black kitty...oh my goodness RL is always more important than a game...I probably would have had to X everything out. I pray that you have been in touch with family and they are all safe.

I heard about it on the news this morning. I hope your family is safe and sound. Please let us know when you hear anything. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I'm sorry to hear your family is in the area and will be thinking of you. Ditto what everyone else said about it being a game. I can't imagine what you must have felt after seeing that. I'll pray your family is safe.

I hope all is safe for your family. Don't worry about how you were in the game--like everyone else said, its just a game. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I don't think anyone would be mad at you for a reason like that! I'm sorry to hear. I hope your family is allright.

Wow! I can't even imagine what you are going through. Please drop us a post and give us an update. I'm so sorry.

Have you heard anything?

Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. I don't know why I didn't just x out (stupid uber gag curse) I was up late last night and have spoken to everyone I know back home. All are safe and sound (even my ex, whew). My sister was moving yesterday and she said she crossed that bridge 5 times (ARGGGH) with the final time being about 1 hour before the collapse. She lives about 1 mile away from the bridge. While she was busy unpacking, the sirens started and they didn't stop. Mom called and asked her if she had the tv on which she didn't as it was still sitting on the floor. She plugged it in and saw what happened. She's pretty shook up. The sirens went on for hours. It was un-nerving. When I finally got in touch with her they were still going on. All I can say is that I hope our government starts taking these reports of "stress fatigue" on ALL of the old bridges all over the country seriously. Here is a link to an interview with a safety engineer. It's interesting to hear what he has to say after the report is read to him over the phone. I hope the link works.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S156551.shtml?cat=1&v=1

I used to work for MNDOT (Mn Dept of Transportation) and the bidding process (a FEDERAL REQUIREMENT) states that all road construction projects (resurfacing to bridges) that utilize ANY federal funds must go with the LOWEST bidder. Think about that.

***hugs*** I'm so glad for you, Judes!!

I'm glad to hear your family is safe. Yet still feel bad for those who didn't receive such good news. I have always disliked bridges especially the two draw bridges in my area. Get me in a tunnel and I'm fine, just don't like the grading on those, grrr! I have to say It's going to be weird when I have to get on one of the many in my area that go out over the open water.