Gephyrophobia

I was in a patient's room doing an assessment last night when his wife turned the TV up. We all watched the breaking news for a moment in disbelief. A huge bridge like that could just fall? WITH PEOPLE ON IT?! The first words out of the wife's mouth was that she hoped it wasn't an act of terrorism. The next words out of the newscaster's mouth was that is was not thought to be due to terrorism. I watched for a few minutes, but had to get on with my rounds. I caught bits and pieces of the news the rest of the night.
Can you imagine going about your business on any old day going to work, home, running errands-whatever normal thing you always do and suddenly BOOM. In the water, or crushed by some huge structure, or teetering over the side of a split in that bridge. I imagine the confusion of those who survived even for a moment afterwards--of what in the world just happened. I saw an interview with a lady who was the first 911 call. She claims it was so quiet right after the collapse. I wonder if it really was silent, or if it was just her mind-silent with the realization of what just happened, trying to grasp the enormity of it. . There are a few horrible things I have witnessed in my life where I could swear to the "silence" as well.

What I don't get is why action was not taken in the past two years when that bridge got poor ratings upon inspection. Why weren't the levies in New Orleans fixed the first time they knew it needed repair? System failure. Red tape. The cost. Not a priority. Believe me I know all about this. Say there is a problem with something, and it doesn't get taken care of due to policy and procedure, or needing approval from 10 thousand different people, or because it is deemed a low priority, etc. It takes something really bad to happen in order for a long needed change to come about. In my mind it seems so simple--something is not right here, so let's fix it. Unfortunately, it usually is complicated by bullshit. I wonder if all the cities are checking their bridges like crazy right now. I also believe in most instances not restricted to bridges or levies, but anything,. if people just do what they are supposed to do, be it because it is their job, or even ethically, a lot less complications would arise. Just do your job people,-the right way. The correct way. The moral way.
I have known people throughout my life who are scared to cross bridges. Gephyrophobia is the fear of bridges. I have always thought this was silly. I don't think I will develop this phobia, but I will probably think about this disaster every time I cross one. Please pray (or think about or whatever you believe in) for these victims and their families and friends and try to make a conscious decision to be thankful for your life because you never know when it will end. Sometimes it only takes a second and that's all for this life we know here.