In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be done. It was not practical. It had never been done before.
Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.
Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.
The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move.
"We told them so."
"Crazy men and their crazy dreams."
"It`s foolish to chase wild visions."
Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever.
He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his bed in his hospital room, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment.
It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife.
He touched his wife's arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was under way again.
For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife's arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man's indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what to do.
Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal.
Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realised with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are.
Even the most distant dream can be realized with determination and persistence.
-Author Unknown-
14 comments to DETERMINATION MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
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Unknown Dear Justice
Thank you!! I have a dream for a beautiful Malaysia too...Let's pass it on!
Have a nice day!
Cheers
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nick Sis,
The only difference is that in Malaysia, the Ketuanan party and their lap'pet" coalition are determined to rob, swindle and steal the national treasury and property (as much as possible and in the least time possible ie..before the next GE).
That kind of determination we DO NOT NEED and Malaysian should all rise up and pledge to throw out these determined pirate from the govt, in the next GE! (What more proof do we need about the pirates in our govt? Nation heading for bankruptcy and these pirates are talking about spending billions on warships, parliament relocation, massive unqualified MRT and rail infrastructure project with inflated cost and what not!
Nick.
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Selvi Even the most distant dream can be realized with determination and persistence.
I doubt! In Bolehland, our dreams will always be shattered, especially when Bung Mokhtar is around.
The moment he spews his rubbish talks, the Malaysian sky will be gloomy again!
Damn shame to have this idiot in the august house! I think he has really hurt the feelings of many rakyat with his filthy words....
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Anonymous Dreams are whispers from the soul. For our soul longeth to see a better Malaysia than what we are having now. It bodes well that more Malaysians are waking up with dreams. A dream that will snowball into true passion for change and we will find our purpose for the many roles needed to usher in that dream!
Let not this dream be just from our soul through our head and out of our mouth. But that it is out of our heart and we will pursue it till it comes to fruition. For we have within each of us the strength, the patience and the passion to reach that beautiful dream of a modern Malaysia for all.
We all face adversity in our daily living and it is how we react to it that will ultimately determine our destiny. Making a difference for the future of this land is the responsibility of all like minded Malaysians and the end result will worth every sweat, tears and even blood.
Whether you think you can or think you can't,....you're right (Henry Ford) The choice is clear and we have to do something, small or big!
~ahoo~
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Cat-from-Sydney Dear Aunty Paula,
What can I say but shout: New York Boleh!!!! har har har *evil laughs*
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Justice The Johor palace has revoked two awards conferred upon MCA-turned-PKR man Chua Jui Meng - one carries the title 'Datuk Seri', the other 'Datuk'.
~~ Malaysiakini
Beware, Pakatan leaders!
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Anak Melayu The giving of titles is the prerogative of the Sultan. The withdrawal of titles is also his royal prerogative.
Remember, Hee Yit Foong?
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Unknown Dear Nick
Your observation is sharp and it's a bulls-eye too! For sure we don't want or need their kind of sickening determination to be the modern day pirate to plunder by day and night while disguised as knights in shining armors! They have to be booted asap! With the World Cup fever round the corner, let's do a Beckham on them in the next GE!
Take care and have a great time with your kids during this holiday season.
Salam
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Unknown Dear Selvi
The latest report by Free Malaysia Today actually documented some of the words they used.
Check out this link:
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/news/general/6637-parents-claim-bn-mp-called-them-keling
It is sickening that in this day and age, elected reps can behave this way!
Sighs
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Unknown Dear ahoo
That is a very beautiful and sensitively written comment. Thank you so much for your labor of love to share such an inspiring comment with us.
Each of us must dream dreams and see visions of a better and fairer Malaysia and we must stand in the gap that the Almighty will pave the way for the new dawn. It is a commission that each of us has to take up seriously and you are the exemplary Malaysian who inspires many via your wise and erudite comments.
Thanks again. Take care and have a blessed evening.
Shalom
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Unknown Dear Cat-in-Sydney
LOL!! Ah - Kami semua boleh lah...all we have to do is to try our best to reach out and to make our dreams come true! Take care and thanks so much for keeping in touch!
Salam
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Unknown Dear Justice
Leaders will be recognized by their works and not titles so I am sure Chua Jui Meng will take all this in his stride.
At the same time, I agree with you that Pakatan leaders had better watch their backs!
Take care and have a restful evening!
Cheers
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Unknown Dear Anak Melayu
Ah - she is a different specimen in an altogether different category, a different realm of existence...
*winks*
Take care and have a lovely evening!
Salam
Justice I have a dream, a beautiful dream for Malaysia!