The Bridge

Connection and friendship over the Delaware River

I was in Lambertville, New Jersey this past week for a workshop. I’ve never been there and knew nothing about it. It was a gorgeous day upon arrival, so I decided to take a little walk and mentally prepare myself for two days with strangers.

I headed out over the bridge spanning the Delaware River. As I stopped to enjoy the view, I heard someone behind me say, “Anne.” Quietly. No fanfare.

I didn’t bother turning around. It seemed improbable, given I knew no one in this small town, that I was the Anne in question.

But just as I was thinking, “They can’t mean me,” I heard the same voice say, “It can’t be her. Anne?”

Well, that got me turning around. And there, in front of me were two friends I hadn’t seen in four years, and their dog.

We were all stunned.

“What are you doing here?!?” we asked at the same time. Turns out they live a block from where I was staying.

After many hugs and laughter, we took a walk around town and then headed out to dinner together. They were incredibly gracious and generous folding me into their evening and we had a beautiful time catching up.

At dinner, my friend told me she had been nervous to say my name. We hadn’t seen each other in years and she wasn’t completely sure it was me. But she took a chance and said my name anyway. The result was more than worth it.

The next day, I channeled her bravery and greeted my workshop colleagues as if we were old friends who had just lost touch. It made building connection a lot simpler - and tons more fun.

Where I was standing when I heard my name. Be the Bridge.