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Tonya Papanikolas ReportingFour weeks after hurricane Katrina hit, families from the Gulf Coast are still trying to connect with loved ones. A couple who came to Utah a week ago has been apart from their kids, but they were reunited with their son this morning at the airport.
The LeBlancs couldn't wait to see Eric. He'd been living with his grandma, attending private school when hurricane Katrina hit. Then his parents couldn't get to him. But this morning they were finally able to see each other again.
It was an anxious wait at the airport for New Orleans residents Karen and Calvin LeBlanc.
Karen LeBlanc, Reuniting with Son After Hurricane Katrina: “I haven’t seen my son in about two months. You know, I’ve been talking to him, and when the storm came I had no way of contacting him.”
But Sunday morning Karen was reunited with 12-year-old Eric, kissing, hugging and holding him like a mother with the most precious gift.
Karen LeBlanc: “I'm so happy right now, I could just... I don't know. I don't know what to do right now."
As the LeBlancs took pictures and enjoyed being together, they praised the family who made their reunion possible.
Calvin LeBlanc, Reunited with Stepson: “I have to thank this lady right here, cause without her, she's been a blessing. And I know it's real cause when I speak of it, chills running from my head down to my toes, and I just thank God for you."
Stacia Robitaille and her husband Luc, who plays for the L.A. Kings, have taken in the LeBlancs as part of their "Shelter for Serenity" foundation aiding hurricane victims. They're currently putting the family up at their Heber home, where the LeBlancs have had another reason to celebrate.
Karen LeBlanc: “We just got married last Saturday, so it's been a week now since we've been married."
The couple was married at a shelter in Lousiana. Bridal shops donated their cake, wedding gown and pictures.
Karen LeBlanc: “Everything has just been a blessing, you know. Everything has just fell into place one thing after another."
Now that they have Eric with them they're looking forward to introducing him to his new home.
Karen LeBlanc: “He's gonna see these beautiful mountains, this beautiful weather. We're around beautiful people."
The LeBlancs are still waiting to be reunited with Karen's daughter. She's with relatives at a shelter in Louisiana. They haven't been able to talk to her since hurricane Rita.
