Every now and then in life, we get to a point were we need to cross a suspension bridge to get or stay on the correct path. Each individual handles these challenges in their own way, but within a marriage it is also important and fortunate to have support, we believe, to help you overcome those challenges, sometimes by just being there or just an ear to listen, a compassionate sounding board. Sometimes one needs an opinion and in giving such an opinion we believe in honesty above all else, not being insensitive or rude, but honest, something that puts value in a comment.
The sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual, forms a bridge between the sharers which can be the basis for understanding much of what is not shared between them, and lessens the threat of their difference.
– Adure Lord –
This is something we do with each other but also in our raising of our son. We constantly rely on each other’s strengths in everything related to our son and how we go about being his parents. This is the background of our next series of photos and it hopefully illustrates the point in a physical sense.
On our recent trip, we took a walk in the forest. On this path you get to a point where you have to cross a suspension bridge. Daddy was walking in front, looking for birdies to photograph and crossed the bridge, all the time focused on what is below and in the openings. Looking back he saw mom came to a sudden stop and he remembered that this is not one of mom’s favorite things in life. Adding to the situation was a little boy on the arm. She did not stop to turn around, she just wanted daddy to get off, so that she could do it as quick as possible. Daddy said to her to stay calm, there is nothing to worry, it is very safe and enjoy the experience. Easier said than done, when you have genuine fear for this situation.
She did it and got big applause from daddy, even showing a little grin toward the end. Proud of mom. We walked further and had more fun, taking in the calmness of the forest. On our way back, just before we got to the bridge, daddy decided that Boeta’s first walk on a suspension bridge should be more joyous and he should definitely enjoy this experience for future recurrences. He gave mom the camera and took Boeta.
First, one must enjoy it, so we had a bit of a laugh beforehand. Daddy then took the little man on the suspension bridge and walked over to the other side, turned around and put him down.
We walked hand in hand on the bridge and he soon realized that this was fun. So daddy let go and victory – Boeta’s first walk on the suspension bridge!
After a short walk on the bridge, daddy picked him up again and we stood there, enjoying the forest below, together. Seeing what we could see without apprehension. We influence how our children react to things around them more than you can ever hope to realize, of that we are sure. Look again at the photos of Boeta with mom, grabbing on, tension in both, and now look at this last shot.
Even mom tried to enjoy the walk back a little more, though inherent fear will always stay. We joined as parents and used the simple strengths of one to overcome the suspension bridge to the benefit of all 3 of us. This is our way of doing things and in such situations as a family we sometimes rely on the strengths of one, to navigate us safely over such bridges, even Boeta does his bit with his innocent love of life itself.
Also part of Just Jot it January
http://lindaghill.com/2015/01/01/just-jot-it-january-pingback-post-and-rules/
Our Rumbling Ocean 
Beautiful photos going hand in hand with a lovely story, loved 🙂
Thanks, glad you liked it. ..
These stunning photos illustrate splendidly your story. Boeta is blessed to be growing up with loving and caring parents.
Thanks for the compliment from both of us.
A valuable story we can all learn from. Great photos and lovely smiles. Well done all three of you, especially mum.
Thanks, a true family effort, even in photos, half and half….hehe. Glad you like it.
Lovely family photos to accompany a lovely story. 🙂
Thanks
Great captures! Thank you for sharing the story. 🙂
Thanks Amy…glad you stopped by…have a nice weekend.
This is gorgeous!!!
Oh thank you…hope all is well.
We are doing well! 🙂
A lovely example of how to make a child comfortable about something, even if we as a parent or grandparent are nervous about it. Lovely photos too.
Thanks, combined effort on all accounts.
What a great example of life and acceptance, of being a parent and sharing our fears, this is a beautiful post both your words and shots. It’s a great example of what a blog can be. I hope you do more of this. Thank you Boeta for visiting today
As always Sheldon
Wow, what a wonderful comment. Thank you for your continued support.
How great! Loved the lessons and encouragement in it. Thanks.
Reminds me of the story my brother-in-law tells about the suspension bridge his family crossed when he and his brother were little. They started to cross the creaky, slat-broken bridge and the two boys got really scared. Their father had to go get them and carry them across!
oh dear that one looks dangerous ! look at the 2nd photo just above your wife’s head!!
Nope, that is the place where solid becomes swing and straightens as you get closer.
we walked on a bridge like that in Costa rica and I found it quite scary !
This is a great story. Good job, Mom, for bravely crossing the bridge and enjoying the day. Your different approaches taught two good lessons and Boeta is one lucky boy.
Thanks, it sure did, micro look at larger environment within which he grows up, in many situations we do similar things, but in some we vary, which is great as it creates a stimulating environment for all of us. Too many times we see families complaining and want to sterilize by doing things the same, where as we like different approaches and opinions as it makes for the uniqueness of our family, chances to learn for all and open platforms to discuss, ways to handle differences without predituce or conflict. In this daddy has incorporated many of mom’s methods and so has mom, but our unique styles is what Boeta enjoys, making it fun for him to interact with both individually and as a pair. Does all that make sense? Hehe.
It does make sense! You are so right to be yourselves and let him see the differences.
Hehe, thanks.
Like you am afraid of heights especially of hunging bridges. Am glad that you overcame your fear, enough to be able to cross back to safety and enjoy the scenery. Yes, we need support and prodding from people we love and we all play a different role. I enjoyed this blog.
Thanks bebs
You could definitely see the fear in your face!! Kind of a guy thing with jumping on a rickity suspension bridge! Boeta got to see both sides of the experience for sure! 🙂
Thanks, yes for sure.
Aw, what a poignant blog. Beautifully written. Shouldn’t little Boeta be Boetie? He’s adorable! I’ve got one grandson who’s 3 and four lovely grandgirls. They’re all a laugh a minute! I can relate to you lovely wife. When my feet aren’t planted on terra firma, I’m nervous!
Thanks, yes, we wrote it down, because it touches on many things people can relate to. Boetie, refers more to brother, something we call my brother, but Boeta is used by parents more often, I think.