The Incredible Bridge

The Incredible Bridge

A much sturdier bridge than the Incredible Bridge!

From this end of the bridge, it didn’t look so incredible. There was an ominous toll booth guarded by helmeted gargoyles. The closer Sam and Oliver came up to it, the more ominous it seemed. The gargoyles grumbled and growled to each other, shaking their spears and scraping the ground with their long toenails.

“Why are we going to that bridge?  Isn’t there a better one?” Sam was shrinking back into the dark forest filled with enchanted magic.

“This bridge is closest! And there’s only two gargoyles at this one. These two are puny compared to the other ones. Trust me - I’ve checked them all out.” Oliver pulled Sam forward.

Sam sputtered. “It’s only a rope bridge! Look at the chasm below! I can’t see the water but I can hear it crashing against the rocks.” 

“Look” Oliver sighed. “This was your idea and I just happened to agree with you. Have you ever been on one of these bridges before? No. I didn’t think so. I have. More times than I can count. But I’ve never made it across because I was trying to do it by myself.”

“Why have you kept trying?” Sam looked very puzzled. He had heard all the stories and had never dared ask why until now. If he was going to cross this so-called Incredible Bridge, he wanted some information.

Oliver leaned against an old burned tree stump and closed his eyes. Then, as one tear slid silently down his face he said “I have family on the other side that I just can’t let go of. No, I don’t want to let go of. I have torn up my life. I have wrecked many relationships. My children need me. Yes I have children and yes I love them with all my heart. But do they really love me? I’m so confused but I need to try again. I know I can go part way - and each time I’ve gone on the bridge I’ve gone a little farther. Maybe I can make it all the way this time. If you’re with me.”

Sam had nothing to say. He had no pre-conceived ideas about what he would find on the other side or even if he wanted to stay. The other side was a world he had let go of to set off adventuring in the Dark Forest they had just left behind. They had only the clothes on their backs, a loaf of old dry bread and a flask of water between them. They left all of the dark magic behind. The gargoyles would take their bread and water as a toll or make them make dark magic with them. This was a heavy toll either way. Oliver was determined to set foot on the bridge once more. Until Sam had suggested it, he had decided that he was stay in the Dark Forest forever. Sam was his only friend. 
Rather than be lost and alone, he decided to try again.

Taking deep breaths and pasting smiles on their faces, they approached the toll booth, determined to refuse any offers of magic play. After letting go of their bread, water - and Sam’s ragged coat - they stepped through the toll booth on to the Incredible Bridge. It swayed with the weight of their steps. The gargoyles giggled wickedly certain they would come racing back to the solid cliff. But Sam and Oliver kept moving forward. One step at a time. The Incredible Bridge held surprises. Along their slow trek, they met others who had crossed the bridge and came back to help others forward and to show them where the weak places were on their journey. To remind them of the strength that they had found to travel on this frighteningly Incredible Bridge. And to hold their hand when fear was ready to overpower them. The bridge itself was really not that incredible.

“But we are strong, each in our purpose, 

and we are all more strong together.”

~ Bram Stoker, Dracula