This weekend we drove south just a little bit and met up with a friend who was visiting FL for her birthday. Lara and I have been friends since Kindergarten - even though I have moved 15 times since then, she has kept up with me and loved on me always. So far she and her husband Daniel have made it to every single base that Andy and I have been stationed at (except of course Korea). So, when she called and said she was going to be near by, I jumped at the chance to see her.
Unfortunately half way between where she was vacationing and where we live was precisely the middle of nowhere. So we picked a spot on the map that looked like it had something on it. Unfairly for them, our leg of the trip was shorter. But, since we got their earlier, and we had two young boys who had already been in the car and were next going to be expected to behave nicely while the adults "caught up"...We decided to put "state park" in Andy's new toy, the GPS, and see what was close by.
At first we just let them use some energy on the play area provided at the campground. We were serenaded by a barbershop quartet practicing just a short walk away under a picnic shelter. We checked out a statue, and a memorial garden.
Then, the boys spotted "the bridge". It was just crying out to be crossed. A lovely wooden suspension bridge, over a flooded Fl river, with signs warning of alligators.
Just what I wanted to do.
I can honestly say that I have very few fears. Heights - no problem. Enclosed spaces - Not my favorite, but I can handle them. I even went spelunking, just to prove to myself that I could do it. Snakes - no biggie. Roller coasters - Adore them! Even spiders, which I use to abhor are now just a pesky annoyance, instead of a scream inducing terror.
But bridges, well, bridges still get me.
Especially suspension bridges.
Wooden suspension bridges.
That my husband stands on and deliberately makes sway back and forth and up and down while I am trying to cross.
Yeah, NOT good.
The problem is, once you are across you have some time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the enthusiasm of your children exploring wildlife all around, but always in the back of your mind is the thought - "Eventually I have to cross that bridge again. If I want to return to the car, and arrive at the prearranged meeting place to see my friend, I am going to have to cross that bridge."
Definitely one way to spoil your fun.
However, I think I got some great pictures of the boys.
My big men, exploring the "wilds" of Florida.
Watching the water go by.
Tying his shoes - isn't that lighting beautiful?
My boys love every minute they can catch with their Daddy.
If you look up you can see the edge of the bridge - ominously hanging over our heads - literally!
I think it shows on my face that I can't quite let go and enjoy myself....
(sidenote: didn't Canaan do a good job taking this picture?)
Obviously, I survived the bridge. Andy was torturous on the way back across, but I made sure I was in front of him that time, so I could run, and be done with it!
Then, we made it to the meeting place and I had a blast spending a few hours with Lara - but of course I forget to get pictures with her. Oh well! At least I got to see her, and for her birthday too. Happy Birthday forever friend!
As for my fear of bridges, that is something I will work on. I say I wouldn't mind jumping out of an Airplane, and I mean it. Why then are bridges so scary? Perhaps because I would be in control of a parachute, and not the swaying of a bridge?
That's some psychology to explore, and some questions to ask my Savior. What am I holding on to, and how can I let it go? What bridges am I refusing to cross, and what kind of kick start will I need to take the steps I am suppose to?
One bridge at a time I guess is the best I can do. Both the physical ones and the spiritual.
