Emerging Courageous online Magazine - Stories
The Mighty MACkinaw Attack
by Diane
Dean White
They say phobias start in childhood. All I know is I acquired one, somewhere
between high school and motherhood. I was too busy to notice!
After I was married, and our children were young, my husband would watch when we
went to the mall, I would walk up the steps instead of going up the escalators.
I told him it was part of my walking exercise workout. He didn't buy it.
Instead, he heard about a group of people who were meeting to overcome phobias
and decided we should go. I was the one with the problem, he would support me.
People shared their fears of driving, walking, going out of the house -- all
common and real to each person there. I remember one lady saying she was just
starting to drive after coming to meetings for the past year. She was taking it
slow, like about 5 miles per hour around a major city! Everyone clapped
for her. My husband leaned over and whispered, "I think I was driving
behind her the other day." I gave him a nudge with my elbow!
I wasn't afraid to drive, but if I came to a bridge, with water or concrete
under it, I would find another way to the other side.
When our children were on summer vacation one year, my 80 year old grandmother
decided we should take them for a tour to Mackinaw Island in Michigan, so they
could learn about the history of our great state and see the Island.
I had done that as a youngster, so I agreed. After the 5 hour trip from
the city to the northern part of Michigan, we arrived at Mackinaw City and got a
motel that just happened to be located at the base of the Mighty Mac Bridge.
As yet, nothing had been said about a trip across the bridge and I felt fairly
safe that it wouldn't. However, after a swim in the pool and an early dinner,
the boys decided it would be fun to drive across the bridge and back before
bedtime. I didn't want to ruin their first day of vacation, and I felt quite
energetic after my swim, so I said "Why not?"
We got into the car, with Grandma in the front seat next to me, and I started
out across the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge. Then I heard whispers from the boys...
"She's getting closer to the water. Do you think she'll run into the
railing?" I heard my daughter scold, "You're going to scare her, hush
up!" I couldn't believe they knew me that well.
As I got to the area over the water, I looked up just then to see the distant
high span of the Mighty Mac and I knew I couldn't go one inch further.
I quietly said "Grandma, I don't think I can do this. I'm going back."
She didn't seemed surprised and just said, "Then you should do it
dear."
A prayer followed in low tones as she addressed the Almighty with, "Lord,
if it pleases thee, I should ask for thy safety protection while on this
trip."
Looking out my side mirrors, and not seeing any other cars, I started backing
up. I didn't know I could go so fast backwards! I think other people wondered
what I was doing as they passed on the opposite lane, but I was determined to
get off that bridge!
Of course, I felt bad my kids couldn't enjoy the sites from above the bridge,
but they had the rest of their lives for that, and frankly I wasn't sure just
how much was left of mine! Finally, without incident or accident, we made it to
the approach, and I turned and headed off the ramp.
There was silence in the car. Then my dear grandmother calmly said, "I
think you did that just fine." And the boys chimed in, "Yea Mom!
We didn't go in the lake or smash into a car or anything!" They had so much
confidence in me!
The next couple of days we spent enjoying the beauty on the Island. We took the
ferry ride across, and walked to see the many sights. As cars are not allowed on
Mackinaw Island, at night from our hotel rooms the sounds of horses hoofs could
be heard, taking me back to a time I'd never know.
On the way home from our trip, I took the kids aside. I told them I loved them
dearly, but there would be new meaning to the Bible verse, "Spare the rod
and spoil the child" if anyone spoke about the bridge episode to a soul! I
made them promise that this little trip would be happily remembered, if they
were to forget that part forever!
About eight years later, my husband attended a conference which required a trip
over the bridge. Our youngest son and I went with him. I changed places with
Brian as we approached the mighty Mac. I told him I wanted to lay down in the
back seat, and he could sit in the front. Who was I fooling? My husband and son
looked at one another and coughed. Very soon I was sitting up, carefully
overlooking the beautiful scenery, high from the bridge. What a breathtaking
view.
Now, why couldn't I have done that years earlier? The reason? I wasn't the one
driving. It made all the difference in the world!
©
Copyright 2002 Diane Dean White
"Lord, lead me as you promised me you would?. Tell me clearly what to do,
which way to turn." Psalm 5: 8 TLB
Diane is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. She and her husband
Stephen are the parents of three grown children, and two grand-gals. They make
their home on the South Carolina Coast where Diane continues her love for
writing. Her new book BEACH
WALKS,
which
includes the story above, is now available.
*Story reprinted with permission.
For more information, please visit the author's website: http://www.bw.newsmoose.com
E-mail Diane at [email protected]