Tags
200 words, Alberta, bridges, building community, Calgary, community, connecting, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, memories, Purpose, Southern Alberta Floods 2013
I like to see myself as a bridge builder, that is me building bridges between people, between races, between cultures, between politics, trying to find common ground. ~ T.D. Jakes
New bridge connects Elbow Park to Rideau community. Calgary AB 2015
In June 2013, Calgary was devastated by the worst flood in a hundred years. You can read my personal account of events here, here and here if you wish.
A lot of work has gone into repairs since.
I was thrilled, on Wednesday, to discover that a new bridge was built, to replace the one that had been destroyed during the flood, linking Elbow Park to the Rideau community.
This bridge opens up my favourite long walk to Rideau and beyond to Sandy Beach. I feel so connected again!
The same is also true of metaphorical bridges, isn’t it?
Life’s disasters come along and due to our own, or the actions of others, bridges are destroyed.
Meaningful connections are ripped away
and it’s devastating.
The good news is that we can choose to make amends.
We can choose to repair the damage.
We can choose to build new bridges.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
talktodiana 
Aww, that’s such a sweet sentiment! ❤
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Thanks Rachel! ❤
Diana xo
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You, Diana, are a human bridge to peace, love and understanding. My friend, you are true. ❤
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I try Mark, I try. Thank you my friend. ❤
Diana xo
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Yes, locals celebrated those new bridge replacements. I just have to go over by bike, when I’m better later this yr.
The flood taught so many big, life-changing lessons to many Calgarians. I think other municipalities look to how Calgary did it..
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Yes indeed Jean. It was handled well here, especially the communication from the mayor’s office! ❤
Diana xo
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Great analogy you made, Diana. Blessed are the peacemakers. ❤
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy ❀
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Indeed Wendy! ❤
Diana xo
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Bridging the gaps between blogs I would say Diana. There is something about bridges that capture the imagination. My brother was a bridge builder and I often wondered how they did all that work under the bridges. Wet suits and a lot of hard work he would say. When I see a bridge or a wharf that he worked on I am reminded that he is still with me.
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Kath I’m so sorry you lost your brother. Sounds like he was a good, hard-working man. I’m glad that the bridges and wharfs he worked on remind you of him and his good qualities. HUGS! ❤
Diana xo
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Yes Diana I miss him very much, its been 18 years now. He was a funny soul who made us all laugh and yet suffered in silence.
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He lives on through you and everyone who loved him. ❤
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Bridges populate my blog’s photo galleries, especially abroad. I have always loved them, even the smaller ones right here in our area. Perhaps your analogy is part of the reason. 🙂
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Perhaps…
Do you have covered bridges in your area Jennifer? There were a lot in Quebec, but I don’t often see one here in the west. ❤
Diana xo
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I wish! Like the Bridges of Madison County. 🙂
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I love that movie!
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Me too. ❤
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Oh, Diana! A REAL bridge-builder 🙂
Love the analogy.
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Thank you my dear. ❤
Diana xo
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Glad to hear that Calgary’s bridge was rebuilt. Like you, Diana, I prefer to build bridges. When someone throws up a wall instead, it is so frustrating. But, with patience and time, the wall might come tumbling down. 😉
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I hear you Judy. I think that at different times in my life I may have been more of a wall builder than bridge builder, but I definitely lean toward bridges now! ❤
Diana xo
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Glad to know that Calgary is recovering and building bridges.. a great metaphor for so much.
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Me too Lisa and thank you! ❤
Diana xo
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So often ‘we’ don’t realize the options we have, such as bridge building. It’s a shame. So many paths altered or given up on. Great post Diana.
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Thanks Colleen. I wonder how many potential bridges I missed building… ❤
Diana xo
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I know….at least I think it makes us more aware now. 🙂
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My mum’s favourite saying is “build a bridge” just thought I would tell you that.
Bridges truly help us get over things some are very hard to build but the end result is worth all the work
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Well said Jo-Anne – thank you! ❤
Diana xo
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Great analogy Diana. No matter what happens in life, change will always come and things can be restored and healed overtime. Good to see the bridge up again 🙂
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Thanks Karen – On the next warm day, I’m crossing that bridge and heading to Sandy Beach. The entire walk is about 12km and when I do it, my legs are pretty sore when I get up the next morning! ❤
Diana xo
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Sounds great enjoy the sun and the walk! 😏
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You are such a bright light and fabulous bridge builder! ❤
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Thanks so much Louise for your support, encouragement and inspiration…always. ❤
Diana xo
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My very favorite bridge song in the whole world:
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Yes, that’s a great tune Smitty! ❤
Diana xo
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Ah, bridges over trouble water … the best kind to build, often the sturdiest!
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Agreed Jim! ❤
Diana xo
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Building bridges real ones and otherwise is important. Nice post Diana x
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Thank you so much Ute! ❤
Diana xo
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Nice! I love these little bridges :).
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Thanks Rob, I love the bridges too. Too bad I can’t drag you around with me Rob, so that I could have amazing pictures on my blog! ❤
Diana xo
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You are one of my favorite bridge-builders, Diana!
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Aww thanks so much Ann. ❤
Diana xo
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