I-35 Bridge Memorial, Droid Shots, 35W Bridge Remembrance Garden, Minnesota, July 2014, photo © 2014 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
Our lives are not only defined by what happens, but by how we act in the face of it, not only by what life brings us, but by what we bring to life. Selfless actions and compassion create enduring community out of tragic events.
Julia Blackhawk, Poem For Julia, Droid Shots, 35W Bridge Remembrance Garden, Minnesota, July 2014, photo © 2014 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
Read more about the Memorial and the names of the 13 people who died at the piece: I-35 Bridge – 5 Years Later – I Remember.
-posted on red Ravine, August 1st, 2014
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A friend was visiting from Montana last weekend. We parked and walked down to the Stone Arch Bridge. On the way, made a point of walking by the I-35 Bridge Memorial. I had not been that close to it at night. I walked to the end, and turned to photograph the last of the 13 neon pillars. It was the pillar for Julia Blackhawk. Here is what it said:
_________________________________________________
Julia Blackhawk
She went by many names: Thunder Woman, Wa ka ja Henuk winga, Julia Anne Blackhawk, loving mother of Adaaro James, Xavier Julius, and Shanoah. Also beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and friend.
Born October 20th, 1974, in Omana, Nebraska, Julia made Minneapolis her home. She was a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Thunder Clan.
The morning is done.
The day is here.
Now it’s time for my good-bye.
He took my hand.
We laughed out loud.
He said, “I’m so very proud.
Come with me.
I’ll take you home.
We’ve missed you.
Tell your loved ones not to cry,
You’ll see them very soon.”
I’m home again
With many friends.
I’ll greet you all at your end.
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Liz’s brother came into town last night, August 1st, 2014. Her mother arrived the night before. They come to visit around the same time every year. Liz’s mother was flying from Wyoming to Minneapolis at the hour the bridge collapsed, August 1st, 2007. I will never forget.
Last night we ate in downtown Minneapolis, went for ice cream down by the Guthrie, and drove home along the river road. We stopped to view the I-35 Memorial at the 35W Bridge Remembrance Garden. There were 13 roses at the base.
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