![]() Childhood Influence and FearA Story by M Lamont![]() I have decided for this duel topic prompt, Childhood Influence and Fear, to combine them in one story.![]()
The Bay Bridge in Maryland spans 4.3 across the Chesapeake Bay. The bridge’s two-lane original span was the world’s longest continuous over-water steel structure when it opened to traffic at 6 p.m. on July 30, 1952. Construction of the bridge’s $148-million second span began in 1969 and was completed on June 28, 1973. If you live west of the bay, the bridge is one of the few ways to cross to reach the Eastern Shore and finally, the Atlantic Ocean.
Growing up in Baltimore, MD my family would vacation in Ocean City, MD every summer. Having been born in 1967, the Bay Bridge has always been our traveling route and as an excited child, was a milestone during the 3 hour drive to reach the beach.
Fear
I vividly remember the summer of 1971. I was four years old and was looking forward to getting to the beach. Back then, to beat the “beach traffic”, we would leave about 5am. I would never really fall back asleep since I was too excited to get to the beach. As we approached the bridge, I noticed something off to the side of the bridge but could not make out what it was. There were these large structures jutting out of the water next to the bridge. As we started crossing the bridge, I looked out the window and could see what was an identical bridge to the one we were driving on. Fascinated, I continued to look over as we moved along until, to my horror, the twin bridge just stopped. Nothing. The bridge just stopped. Suspended in mid-air. It blew my mind and the first thing I though was “What if our bridge just ended like that one?” This is my first recollection of fear. I came without warning or explanation and I did not know what to do with it. So I proceeded to scream. Loud and uncontrollable. (The picture posted gives you an idea of what I saw. This is the Bay Bridge during that time.)
Childhood Influence
During this very dramatic scene, my Dad was the rock solid foundation that calmed me. He was driving the car and continued to reassure me that our bridge was OK and that he would not drive on an unfinished bridge. It was from that point on that I looked to my Dad as the person who had the answers. The one who could make it right. Just by him being there, all was right with the world. Today, at 41, I have driven over that bridge hundreds of times and just love it. The view, the feeling that 1/3 of my drive is over in getting to the beach, it now brings back some great memories. I know people who say they hate the bridge and other who are afraid of it. I wish I could put them in car with my Dad because he’d help them get past those issues.
© 2008 M LamontFeatured Review
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2 Reviews Added on September 8, 2008 Author![]() M LamontAlexandria, VAAboutI got back into in the fall of 2006 after a friend urged me to do so. She is a musician and I was inspired by her lyrics. Thanks Little Mouse!!! My inspiration comes from friends stori.. more..Writing
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