The Kit Bond Bridge.
When I’m coming home from a long trip north or when I fly to my destination, the marker I am in the homestretch is the Kit Bond Bridge. I always take a picture to mark the occasion and I feel accomplished no matter how tired I am.
My journeys are often wild — mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. They take me to far off places with uncommon requirements. And all are work related, which is hard for people to understand. I often get “Have a great vacation,” when I leave and “How was your time off?” when I return home. Although they are always adventures, my trips are not vacations or time off. I work hard — harder than at home on many of them. And there are lots of expectations.
This is why the Kit Bond Bridge is my favorite sight in Kansas City. It means the expectations can now shift. It means I am homeward bound. It means I can sleep in my own bed — and for what it’s worth — have a bit of measured control over my own time. It means rest is ahead, and although there are still expectations, they are different.
As I cross the Kit Bond Bridge, I often let out a big sigh. This is the moment I leave this trip behind — good and not-so-good. I allow the fun, friendship and laughter to become a sweet memory floating through my mind. I release the people pleasing, high expectations, and demands to be carried away by the waters of the Missouri River below me.
Home is my next destination and that always feels good.