Day 11: Facing my fears to enter the City by the Bay….

 

“Your problem is to bridge the gap which exists between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach.”

–Earl Nightingale

 

It was a busy day on Friday, the plan was to head to San Francisco and take in some new adventures.  What I didn’t pay too close attention to was the timing, Memorial Day weekend!!!  Seriously, what was I thinking?  The traffic was backed up for miles as I approached the new bridge into San Francisco.  I have been to this city once before, but my visit was brief and there was no time to really take in the sights as they were intended to be enjoyed.  And so I returned with the hope of going on some new adventures and still yet, searching for courage.

As I made my way to the city by the Bay, I was caught in a lot of traffic which gave me some time to think… I thought about my Dad and remembered how much he loved this city!  It was the first U.S. city he lived in when coming to America.  He lived here for some time, but work at the time was scarce.  He received word that there was a job in Chicago that fit his ability and as much as he wanted to stay, he needed to eat.  And so he made the trek to the Midwest leaving his heart in the city by the Bay.  I remember him speaking of San Fran as if it were an old and dear friend, one that you never want to give up but sometimes have to let go.  I wondered what it was that had him so enamored and in love with this city.  I thought this as I sat in a line of traffic that barely moved.

Then, just as I had thought, “Why am I doing this?” I looked ahead and there before me was this amazing bridge.  It could have been a work of art, and in my mind it was indeed!  The lines of the bridge bent and curved with this subtle steel grey color that reflected the many lights strategically placed on the suspenders.  I found myself unknowingly admiring a bridge!  It was a new gateway to the city that my Dad had longed to return to and now I was beginning to understand what mesmerized him.  The view from the bridge was nothing short of breath-taking!!!

I remember crossing the old bridge with anxiety and fear.  It seemed so open and I felt very high up and vulnerable to the other drivers who may not have been paying close attention.  I also remember thinking how that bridge did not make me want to return, since it frightened me to cross. Yet, here I was, on this new attractive modern bridge, not fearing for my life but anxious to see what sits on the other side…

The traffic cleared. I crossed the amazing bridge with eager anticipation to learn why my Dad loved this place so!

Facing my fears and absolutely smiling…. Wondering what tomorrow will bring!