Friday, November 7, 2008

heritage

There are some things which cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring. They are the very simplest things and because it takes a man's life to know them the little new that each man gets from life is very costly and the only heritage he has to leave.
--Ernest Hemingway (1898-1961) American Writer

WHEN the Elizabethton Covered Bridge was built in 1882, life was so different from today. We can hardly imagine the daily lives of those who first crossed over this bridge and all the difficulties they encountered. And I wonder, if they were to look in upon our lives, would they recognize themselves in us? As I consider the generations that have crossed over and looked upon this beautiful bridge, I wonder what we share with them. What simple things, what lessons, could we learn today from their lives?

3 comments:

  1. I would venture to think that it was about the same as up around this area. We have a few of these old Covered Bridges around, but not many. Most of them have gone to History, but are remembered.

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  2. I wonder too how people of that simpler age would view today's society. People are people, no matter the time, good and bad. But I think they would be astounded at some of the things they would see.

    This is a lovely post. I love the quote, and the the photo is wonderful.
    Marie

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