As Minnesotans reel a week after the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, one thought seems to be universal.
"It could have been me."
It is rare to find a Minnesota native who hasn't at least once been to Minneapolis. And if you live in Carlton County, I-35 is the road you travel to most quickly move north and south. So when you combine I-35 with the word 'collapse,' it hits far too close to home.
To bring it even closer, a Carlton family was on that bridge at the time of crisis. Thankfully, all managed to flee to safety, leaving behind their Ford Explorer, a wallet and a pair of shoes, according to a story in the Duluth News Tribune.
Another Carlton County resident, Ralph LaPlant of Holyoke, got involved after being called to aid in the work of the bridge collapse aftermath. The conservation officer worked three consecutive night shifts making sure other workers were hydrated and nourished while they stayed awake to do what needed to be done.
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Although tragedies take place every day, in every part of the world, it is different when it strikes at home, he said.
The rest of the world will move on sooner while the collapse has affected the entire state and will for years to come.
As LaPlant said, "everyone there seemed to be thinking of how many times they've been in that exact spot and how lucky they are."
So as the collapsed bridge aftermath continues you may find yourself overwhelmed and overtired about it all. However, we should remember at least one lesson.
"It wasn't you."
We need to appreciate that every day.
