[ IP ] The Bridge to Nowhere


 Some people say this bridge goes nowhere. They're wrong. I do n't know what gave them that idea; have they ever been up there? I have. This is my story... 
 
 -- - 
 
 `` Oh, young sir.'' Inquired the master. `` Have you been to the top of this mountain?'' 
 
 `` No sir.'' My face young and cheery, I reply. 
 
 `` Do you know what is up there?'' His eyes gleamed through the mist. 
 
 `` No.'' Wide eyed, I wonder if he will tell me. `` What?'' 
 
 His well aged smile warned his wrinkled face as he stated, `` Why do n't you go see?'' 
 
 -- - 
 
 So I did. I learned to climb, practicing every day and building muscle. This taught me determination and perseverance. 
 
 On the day I was ready, I gathered my gear and went up. Step in rock by step in rock. Handhold, kick a rock, find a firm foothold, move my hand up, get a secure handhold, repeat. That day I made it to the top. 
 
 Interestingly, as there was nothing man made on the mountain except at the bottom, there was a bridge. A wooden bridge that looked suspiciously maintained. Up this high in the clouds it was difficult to see anything below. 
 The bridge wound up onto another peak. Knowing I had come this far, I took a deep breath and continued, carefully picking my way across the bridge. 
 
 As I climbed the last few slats, I gazed into a portal shrouded by mist. A strong and learned voice eminating from somewhere unknown... The portal? But no, for it was around me as well. `` You have learned a powerful lesson. May you through this lesson change the world.'' And with that I was sucked into the portal and at the base of the mountain. 
 
 -- 
 
 After reflection, the lesson was: whatever you perserver in with unyielding determination, you will succeed in improving yourself and no matter what, you win. I slipped a few times. During training I received more than a few scars, bruises and ridicules. I became better. Better than I was: in mind, body and spirit. 
 
 Nothing is impossible. I climbed a mountain free hand, as a boy. Thank you teacher. 

