At every step in our lives there are bridges that we cross. I’ve already crossed many of them myself, even one not unlike this one pictured here. The log was a bit shaky and unnerving to cross, but having experienced the crossing it took me to more than just another destination. It took me to another level of my maturity.
My husband is intrigued with bridges, well, actually with any engineering feat.
When he saw the PBS presentation of Super Bridge, a NOVA special about the construction of the bridge across the Mississippi at Alton, it quickly became a destination that he wanted to visit.
We finally made the journey a few years after watching the special, taking a motorcycle trip down to view and cross the bridge. It was a marvel to see and even more lovely when we crossed it again late in the day bathed in the golden glow of evening sunlight.
While there are other Web pages addressing the Alton bridge, some with photos, I chose to link to the transcripts of the PBS special. It was well written, and while the narrative quickly moved to the complexities of the building process, early on the Narrator made note of the importance of these structures. Bridges are more than just a water or cavern crossing, they bridge our communities, open pathways to new opportunities and should always be constructed with a consideration for making it a thing of beauty and a focal point of the surrounding community.
Some of my bridge crossings were things of beauty, like the one on the old bridge near Morgan Park in Duluth Minnesota. It gave me an appreciation for treasures of the past and a resolve that as things are torn down we should always remember and respect the service that they have given us.
Some bridge crossings however, were pretty nasty, like the one on the log that looked similar to my colored pencil sketch. It gave me a healthy respect for Mother’s rules and an opportunity to grow into my role as a responsible older sister.
Here’s to hoping future bridge crossings can be made with relative ease.