Trus' Me, Life is a Journey

Trus' Me

Wow! Wow! Woweeee! Last July was both the best of times and the worst of times for me. Really! It was a beginning and an ending. Really and truly! You see, professionally, I was dealing with a traumatic and piercing case. Honestly, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity. No joke. It continues and it will leave an indelible mark.

On the other hand, personally, it was the best time because our eldest was graduating from university. Yeah! You can well imagine what that journey has been like. Moreover, it was the season of light because our family was able to travel and attend her graduation. Incredible, don’t it?

Fa real!

Evening Stroll or Trek

Suh, one evening, my husband decided we should go on an exploratory walk. After all, we were in a new city – a new country – nuh true?

We left our children and began walking down the sloping road. Round the bend we saw white arches that crossed the street. Seemed as if each end was in tree tops. Just at the corner of a red brick high-rise we came upon a fountain and a hill-side garden. We turned right to climb the granite steps. They fascinated me. Their depth and width were unfamiliar.

You should see how I tried to keep in stride with my husband. I tried, you know. I tried. But, as we ascended, every now and then I would stop to look towards the impressive concrete bridge. The higher we climbed the more its structure loomed. My attention was caught between the steps, the garden, and the bridge.

I tried to get my husband to take pictures but the city’s night lights seemed to get in the way. Moreover, how could such a huge, strong, and magnificent structure that spans 120 metres fit into a phone screen?

Cuesta de los Ciegos

After the first half of the trek, my knees and my breath made me start checking how much farther we had to go. From the bottom of the hill the hedges hid steep twists and hundreds of steps. Trus' me, our excitement to see the road atop eliminated the option for an easy descent to the beginning. It was time to level up!

You should see how me would perch on a step from time to time just to admire the architecture of the bridge. I love its colour and its elegant symmetrical features. They were hidden from the traffic overhead. It was thrilling to think that so many persons did not know what lay below them as they traversed….just like we did not realise we stayed so close to this terraced public garden named the Cuesta de los Ciegos or Hill of the Blind.

Perhaps at the 185^th step it occurred to me that my own life is like that bridge. Yes, as I traverse one season to another, a series of strong, well-designed columns are supporting me. In fact, I later learned that this Viaducto de Segovia [*Don’t confuse it with the Aqueduct in the city of Segovia], goes across a ravine that links the medieval town and its barrios to the Royal Palace, its administrative and tourist sites.

To me, the commuters above are more focused on getting to their destination safely and quickly. Similarly, these last few months my focus has been on coping and ending the season well. I really didn’t realise how many persons and systems were holding me up. My bricks below are the encouraging colleagues, students, and parents. My own parents, husband, other family members and friends are my columns. Those who provided expertise are the crucial steel supports. Without them already in place, I would have had a longer and more difficult trek across the ravine.

History & Legacy

Here is another thing: a no while ago dat dere bridge build you know. No sah! This viaduct was completed in 1934 and renovated in the 1970s. At its highest point, it is about 25 meters (82 feet)! This version replaced another made of iron and wood that dated back to 1874. Interestingly, the very first plans for a viaduct in this location were drawn up by Juan Bautista Sachetti over 150 years before the first one was actually built.

Do you see faith, time and patience? I see that, and the countless persons who contributed to the creation of the impressive structure seen today. Similarly, all the individuals and systems that helped me face this rough season of my life have been around for years upon years. Some have not even lived to see their vision fulfilled centuries later. Equally, I have the opportunity to contribute to a legacy for those whom I may never ever meet.

Same way suh, as I sat at the graduation, I recalled the many organisations and persons who helped my child get to this momentous milestone. I understood our metaphorical viaduct, from the time she was a wee baby when a wise friend advised us about an educational assistance programme, to the various opportunities, the tutors, and friends who supported her to this point. Wow! Everything is not up to me. What a relief! And yet, everything and everyone played a part in getting us to this point. Incredible!

Barrier or Boundary?

There is another aspect that is tragic though.

Yes, walk with me.

No hay mal que por ven venga… Every cloud has a silver lining.

You see, days before we had walked along the road above the viaduct. We walked and admired the transparent wall that lined the bridge. Even with the vehicular traffic nearby, we had a sprawling panoramic view of Madrid, the cathedral, the Royal Palace, the parks and the river too. It is enthralling!

Later, while doing research, I discovered the real reason they put up a glass wall in 1998. Me Fren’, another name for this site is the “suicide bridge.” Imagine how many lives were lost and how many others were traumatized by each event. This is so sad, isn’t it? Yet, it is effective.

Similarly, I realise that I have experienced trauma. I have been struggling. Honestly, I struggle to find effective ways to put up a barrier that keeps out bitterness, apathy, cynicism, aloofness and/or hopelessness.

Somehow I am now optimistic because their wall is not made of wood or brick. It is tall, strong, durable and transparent. There is a way to bring about connection, beauty, resilience, positive impactful change, be transparent, and remain safe too.

Bridge or Building?

Both the Viaducto de Segovia and the 254 steps of the Cuesta de Ciegos in Madrid, Spain, have reminded me that:

La vida es un Puente, no edificio.

Life is a bridge, not a building.

Consider the experiences gained from traversing them up and down and back and forth. Value has been added because of the journey and these monumental structures that made it possible.

View of Viaducto de Segovia from the steps of Cuesta de los Ciegos

Here is another reminder: All I have needed is already provided. These structures were there before I knew how much I needed them. Likewise, the people, systems, and experiences I needed—whether to celebrate or to cope—were already there, simply waiting to be recognised. That realisation nudges me to shift my way of knowing.

Suppose I began each day assured that the viaduct and its steps were already in place—even before I need them or see them?

Perhaps I should place a photo of them on my mirror or desk.

Hmmm... what do you think?

Furthermore, they are impressive examples of legacy too. They urge me to be hopeful, patient, and purposeful as I traverse the seasons of life. Someone else’s journey might be made easier by mine, nuh true?

So, even though it happened in summer, I think you will agree when I echo Dickens-

“… it was the spring of hope; it was the winter of despair.”

And just like I did at the very last step, I invite you to pause.

Feel the air. Inhale the experience.

Take in one final view before we continue our journeys.

My knees were wobbly, yes. But my heart was calm.

My mind is steady.                                                                                

There are no regrets—only lessons to be treasured.

Back at the beginning, I said this was the best of times and the worst of times. Now, after the climb, the awe, the tears, and the lessons—I still believe it. But maybe that’s the point: the best and the worst often come together to shape what matters most.

Have you had a similar experience? How did you get across it? What will you take away from this shared moment? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.