When I think of bridges, it brings an image of being hooked together. I have always liked bridges: their architecture, the goal of crossing them and viewing the land from a different perspective. One of my first recollections of a bridge was crossing a balance beam as a child. It was not a real bridge, but crossing over that skinny beam was a goal and I had to get to the other side. Sometimes, I would scoot my feet together and slide across. At other times, I would put one foot in front of the other and pace myself to reach the opposite side.
Sometimes when writing I have a topic or focus depending on who or what site I am writing for. If I have a topic, I have a goal in mind that helps steer the writing direction. If I am writing for my own site, sometimes there is no specific focus and I have to bridge the ideas together to formulate a story or article.
This week our new bridge in Washington opened. There was a big ceremony and celebration to mark the opening of the Missouri River Bridge. Compared to the old bridge, it is modern, has walking areas, biking areas, an observation deck and is wider to travel across. The old bridge has a more traditional architecture in the structure, with the arches along with wear and tear over years of being in use. As we walked the bridge, the boys were marveled how high they were above the Missouri River. They also enjoyed how they could see the old bridge right across from the new bridge.
The old bridge has many memories. I remember us crossing the bridge when we moved here. We were excited for this new opportunity with our jobs, excited for the boys to have a great community to grow up in and contribute to and we had the feeling of nervousness starting on this new journey as a family.
I also recall the sad memories of crossing the bridge when I got the call my dad was sick. I had about an hour drive to the hospital. I crossed over the bridge and didn’t get too far up the highway when I got the call that Dad had passed. I also remember coming home from the doctor hearing that I would have to deliver Hope, as at his routine appointment he no longer had a heartbeat. Sometimes I wonder how I crossed that bridge driving through the tears, shock, and heartbreak. I think of the quote written by Anthony Liccione which says, “A bridge can still be built, while bitter waters are underneath.”
Lately, the boys have been building with Lincoln Logs and building blocks. As they build, they have a structure they like to follow so their creations do not fall. I enjoy building with them, as it reminds me of the rainbow-colored blocks I used to build with as a child. When I think of bridges I think of the many kinds: covered bridges, trail bridges, and suspension bridges. They each have a different structure and with each you have to cross to get to the other side.
When Matt and I first married we had a little stepping bridge my father-in-law made that was in our yard. It had ropes on the sides that hung down in swoops. Those ropes symbolize holding onto to get to the other side. The ropes are not super strong but are flexible. The parallel is to hold onto the ropes to bring some stability as we cross the other side.
As we were on the bridge for the opening celebration, we saw people we knew and visited. From saying hi, to more in-depth conversations was had on the bridge. Some people we see quite regularly, while others it has been some time since our paths crossed. There is something about an event that can bring people together. People were laughing smiling, taking pictures, and having fun. I think of the Journey song “Don’t Stop Believin”. The lyrics of the song talk about having an excitement seeing people and being in the moment.
One of my friends I hadn’t seen in a while waved while on the bridge. Sometimes life gets busy; sometimes life takes you in a new direction. Our paths crossed and we talked about things going on in our lives. We plan to meet for coffee soon. Sometimes there are bridges when we connect to others like a simple cup of coffee. We bridge many things in our lives: our friendships, hobbies and daily interactions with others. Bridging our lives together is important. “Love is the bridge between you and everything.” says the writer Rumi.
Sometimes connections are not more than a simple hello. Other times our connections are more intricate. One of my favorite quotes says, “Build a bridge by extending your hand.” (Written by Ken Poirot) May we all find ways to bridge our lives together: through sharing, relating, caring and connection. 