I have been in a major funk. The bridge collapsing was a shock - I walked around for two days in a haze. I couldn't focus on anything. Finally, Saturday I was just plain sick - too much stress. Too much thinking it could have been someone I loved on the bridge. Too much feeling guilty for being thankful it wasn't my loved ones. Sunday I finally did some physical things - kayaking 4.3 miles with Mark - cleaning the house - a relaxing boat ride in the evening with Mark and the dogs - a long talk with my neighbor. Today I went out and spent some time working in the gardens. I'm starting to feel like me again.
I really appreciate the support you all gave me - your comments were like salve on a wound. I am very grateful to each of you.
I don't want to turn my blog into a political commentary - but I think it's important to realize that the I35 bridge was not in the shape it should have been in. And it was not rated as the worst bridge in our state or in the nation. This disaster could have been so much worse in terms of lives lost. I see it as a wake-up call, and I hope the upside is that every bridge in the nation is scrutinized and made safe. This should not happen again in the United States.
So I'm off my soapbox and out of my funk. My next post I'll have more gardens to share. Thanks again for being here for me.
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13 comments:
Glad to see you back at the blog, Kris! It's hard, I'm sure. So many weird emotions. Just know that you are thought of and in many prayers out here. Cindy
When 9/11 happened, the nephew of an old friend was killed. I spent countless hours reading and watching everything. I felt that I had a personal connection because of my friend's nephew. Finally I realized that I had become obsessed and had to stop reading and watching.
It's natural to feel relieved that your loved ones weren't injured - nothing to feel guilty about.
But life has to go on. And when it does, the funk lifts. Becoming sick over the news doesn't help the situation. It doesn't change what happened. It just makes you miserable.
Yes, this should be a wake-up call - that's the good that can come out of this terrible situation and all tragedies.
Kris I'm glad you spent time kayaking and taking boat rides with Mark. That must have released a great deal of your funk. The gardening must have certainly started to fill your soul again. You'll stay in my prayers.
I, too, hope that the U.S. will take a serious look at each bridge across the nation and assure its safety. Perhaps the commissioners of each county wouldn't be a bad idea.
I am going to try again, I can't figure out what happened to keep me from getting posted....I think I am doing everything the same.
Glad your back at it, you are not alone feeling grateful no-one you love was involved in the disaster. We thank God everyday that all of our loved ones were NOT on the bridge.
The neighbors called, we are going to get back on our schedule, hitting the pool this morning. We have not been there since we returned from up North, was pretty warm walking this morning so will feel good.
Later,
I am glad you took time to de-stress . . . going kayaking and all.
Stress can make our bodies sick.
Life is full of UPS and
d
o
w
n
s
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I look forward to your garden photos.
Take Care,
~Becky
Hi Kris,
Your stress is totally understandable. The front page of our paper this AM is a huge picture of our bridge being inspected. It is the exactly the same type of structure as your bridge that collapsed.
Perhaps these inspections are a good positive outcome from this disaster.
Kris,
First, thankfulness that your family was spared the lives of two members who could have been on the bridge is something to be thankful for. Every life that could have expired on that bridge and did not is something to be thankful for.
Second, anyone who is inclined to get on soapboxes (I am not but that is my fault and not yours) ought to get on soapboxes. As it has been said on the news more than once our infrastructure is beginning to crumble. A crumbling infrastructure puts the lives of civilians at risk (as this bridge collapse so eloquently illustrated) and if it declines badly enough our nation become an easy target for terrorists of all brands and religions. So preach as long, loud, and as often as you want. I will stand in the crowd and shout AMEN!
Finally, I think the physical activity was just what you needed. I am glad you went out and did something.
Take care,
Melissa
Kris ~ We have been thinking about you and your family. We are so glad that everyone is ok. Take all the time you need and You should be greatful your family and friends are ok. Take one day at a time!!!
Dear Kris,
We're so glad that you are back! We have missed you and were beginning to worry. Gardening is wonderful therapy for us all!
Well, great - now I'm getting bloggered by my own blog!!! I left a comment here last night, and this morning it is gone, gone, gone.
I just wanted to thank all of you for your thoughtfulness and very kind comments. I really appreciate that you take the time to stop by here - and your support has been amazing. Thanks!
Hi Kris,
In Michigan they have ALREADY checked the 4 bridges that are the same type as the 135W. I couldn't believe how fast they inspected them. One of them is only a few miles north of me. I cross it almost every weekend.
I am now worried about crossing the mighty Mackinac bridge. It's 50 years old. It's a suspension bridge, but I am still going to be a little nervous when I cross in next Monday! It 's 5 long miles over ver deep water!!
I'm glad your friends and family are safe and you can turn your attention to more pleasant things.
Zoey - I am so happy to hear that they've checked out your bridges! I don't blame you for being a little nervous on a 5 mile bridge - I think it'll be awhile before I can be on a bridge without thinking about all this!
Hey wicked gardener - thank you so much. And yes, it does feel better to get on with my life!
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