the durow road bridge

Nestled amidst the vast expanses of Iowa farmland, a century-old red metal bridge gracefully spans a clear blue creek. Its sturdy framework stands out against the backdrop of bright green fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The rustic bridge boasts well-worn wooden planks that echo with the rhythmic clatter of passing vehicles. The Durow Road Bridge isn't just a structure of steel, wood and concrete; for decades it served as a vital entry point for the hardworking farmers of the region, connecting their farmlands to the heart of the town. This country bridge symbolized a lifeline for the local farming community, offering a direct route for farmers to transport their harvests and livestock into Center Point, Cedar Rapids and beyond.

When I went off to college, a new highway was built a few miles away which eliminated much of the traffic on the bridge. But for me, the bridge, creek and the land around it was a summer wonderland as it spanned my grandparent's property. It is where the cows congregated in the shade on hot days and I would spend hours catching minnows and frogs. As I have gotten older, I have come to see the bridge as a personal metaphor for life - how do you bring unique ideas, people and purposes together to do more. I may not chase tadpoles or crawdads anymore, but I believe in the power of bridges to help people cross over - both physically and metaphorically. Let's go create ideas that cross over. Thank you for letting me share my story.