It was five years ago the 35-W bridge collapsed.  It was 'going home' time.  13 people didn't make it.  145 got home late....they were injured in the collapse.

 

Having grown up in the Cities, I'm very familiar with the bridge and have taken it many, many, many times.  You know how it is - landmarks become old friends.  The sudden unplanned loss of one - involving the deaths of more than a dozen people - is a horrible shock.

Admittedly....I still get apprehensive when I cross a large bridge. 

Back in 2007 my Mom was still alive.  While she didn't drive - my older brother who still lives in the cities - would quite regularly take her out on little adventures.  That day, I worried.   They were fine of course.  We all were.  Almost all of us.  When something horrifying happens in a place you know and love well - you worry about strangers.  Because they're in a place you know and love well, strangers become family. "They" become "we".  You worry about them as if they were't strangers. 

 

Click for story:  35W Bridge Collapse Artifacts Stay Out Of Sight from WCCO-TV

 

 

 

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