Belief in a thing makes that thing happen.

The distance between a problem and its solution often depends on our ability to try. There are no standard methods to solve life’s problems, but the moment we choose to try we clinch our deal with success.

When John Roebling, Chief Engineer of Brooklyn Bridge, wanted to build the bridge, experts worldwide asked him to forget the idea because they considered it impossible. But both Roebling and his son Washington just would not give up! The project started well, but in a series of tragic accidents, Roebling passed away and Washington was incapacitated. Washington was not able to walk, talk or even move.

All he could do was to move one finger. Gradually, using his one finger, he developed a code of communication with his wife. He touched his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating his intention to call the engineers again. He used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. For thirteen years, he tapped out his instructions with his one finger, directing operations at the site, until the bridge was finally completed.

Washington’s inabilities did not deter him from following his dream. The reason the bridge stands today is because in the face of adversity he did not give up trying. His life teaches us that when we are going through a problem, or are not able to realize our dreams or achieve what we want, we don’t always have to do anything extraordinary…we just have to try harder!

THE END

© Anchit Barnwal