Storytelling Week 12: The Bridge to Heaven

"Good morning, class, please have a seat."
"Good morning, Mrs. Myers."

"Kids, gather round. I want to tell you a story about chasing a dream."
"What is the story called?" said Sally.
"It's called The Bridge to Heaven."

"The story begins with a little boy about your age. He was a very sad little boy," said Mrs. Myers.
"Why was he so sad?"asked Sally.

"Well, Sally, this boy had lost both of his parents in a car accident when he was a baby and was now living in foster care. This boy had a dream. He wanted to see his parents again. One night while he was sleeping, an angel came to his bed and said, 'God has heard your prayers, sweet child. But it will not be easy. Here is what you must do,' and the angel proceeded to tell the boy that he needed to build a bridge to heaven to see his parents again."
"But, Mrs. Myers, that's impossible. How can he build that bridge?" asked Sally.

"Oh, Sally, you ask so many questions, haha. The boy had to find a lot of bricks. He would go to the empty lot next to the foster home and steal bricks from there. As soon as he touched the bricks, they became invisible, so no one would know what he was doing. He also turned invisible while he worked on the bridge."
"Wow," said the whole class in unison.

"He worked on building the bridge for fifteen years. He was twenty when he finally finished it. He was ready to climb the bridge to see his family again. So he climbed for two days and two nights until finally he saw a bright light and a big shiny golden gate. He went to the gate and knocked, 'Excuse me, are my parents here? May I please see them?' the boy said. 'Who are you?' asked the guard. 'I don't know. My parents died when I was so young. I forgot who I really am. That is why I am here to meet them. I want to find out who I am,' replied the boy."
"Did the boy get to meet his parents?" asked Jim.

"Yes, he did. He parents came outside the golden gates and talked with him for many days. He learned a lot of things by talking to his parents. He learned his dad was a scientist and his mom was a heart doctor. They laughed and they cried. But the most important moment for the boy came when his dad said, 'Son, you didn't need us to know who you are. You have known all along who you are. Look at this bridge you built! Look at this big dream you chased, son. You are a dreamer. Go back to earth and chase another dream.' So the boy went back to earth, and he began working to help other kids who had lost parents like he had."

*Ring*

"Okay, kids, time for lunch."

The kids ran out of the room like wild animals. Then Mr. Sim came into Mrs. Myers' room. "Why do you always tell the kids that story?"
"I want them to know that nothing is impossible. All too often we try to tell them what they cannot do. I want them to know that the only thing that defines them is themselves."

Author's Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I really had a lot of fun writing this one. This story is based off the story of the bridge to Lanka from the Ramayana. Crossing the water to Lanka seemed like an impossible task for Rama, but then he was told that a monkey named Nala could make rocks float. So, they were able to build the bridge and cross the water. I refer to this story in two ways: the bridge and the impossibility of the task. I also wanted to focus on dreaming big because I honestly believe people have stopped chasing their dreams. I personally wish people would never stop chasing them. My mom always told me that I could be anything I wanted to be, and I believe her. Building a bridge to heaven to see a loved one really is an impossible task, but luckily in stories we can do the impossible. Unlike the story of the Bridge to Lanka, my character had no help building his bridge. I wanted to show the main character as strong and independent. I also chose a story time setting because I felt like it was an ideal way to share the deeper message of my story. So that is the inspiration behind my story.

Bibliography:
Ramayana by Buck. 1976.

Image Information:
Heaven