The Bridge Builder

Bridge building is not for the faint-hearted, the undisciplined, or the glory-seeker. Whether it is a bridge that offers a traveler a means of getting to where his destination is taking him or a bridge that offers a means of protection in the storms of life, bridge building is a rewarding accomplishment for all. No doubt, Bridge building is a tedious, sometimes dirty, sometimes trying, and yet, a very rewarding accomplishment. In that every detail of building a bridge structure must meet strict federal and state guidelines as well as precise measurements for strength and safety, the bridge builder must understand that everything he does must be performed according to plans and with a spirit of excellence. When the bridge is complete and ready for crossing, the traveler should know that the bridge he is crossing has been carefully and meticulously scrutinized as to its integrity and safety. My dad and mom built bridges as a way of life. Dad built bridges as a means of living and a means of helping others to achieve their dreams in life. Mom never had her hands in the concrete or on the steel that might build a bridge for an automobile or train crossing as Dad did. However, she did have her hands and heart involved in building bridges of character and contentment for those needing an extra hug or tug to get through the valley of despair and disappointments as they trudged on the highway of life. In this book, the reader will see two people who were partners in life. Although they did not plan on being missionaries and did not fit the description that the church might define as a missionary, my mom and dad were indeed and in deed missionaries. Many people were recipients of my dad and mom's accomplished missionary journeys. These people saw mom and dad's charter of "doing for others as you would have them do for you" and the steady, honest, and wholesome character that they exemplified as they lived life on planet earth. All of the stories told in this writing are great counseling tools for the young and the "not so young." Parents will love the idea of reading to their children these life experiences from the memories of a son who learned from wise and responsible parents as he traveled on the highway of life. Dad lived a short life on earth but his legacy has had a long and lasting impact on the lives of his family, fellow workers, and friends. He was a strong man with a compassionate heart. He was a passionate man for the truth and was proficient and honest in his business and personal relationships. His desire to live up to the principles and guidelines required by his employer, his family, and his God were observed both on and off the field (business and personal life). Mom lived a life of bearing good fruit while living in the neighborhood of heartaches and disappointments. Her legacy has continued to make a mark on the lives of friends and family long after she completed her journey of life. "Mom was truly the heart of the home and Dad was the one that kept the heart beating."

Gerald Cumby, author of The Bridge Builder, is retired from General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin, Aeronautics Division after 38 years in management. He taught and coached in the Texas Public Schools (early career) and facilitated and taught Certified Management courses while at Lockheed Martin. He is a Certified Professional Manager (CPM), James Madison University. Gerald has a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from McMurry University and his Masters in Biblical Studies from Tyndale Biblical Institute. He has completed other graduate courses at University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. He enjoyed umpiring softball and baseball as well as refereeing basketball before his retirement in 1999. He umpired/refereed over 5,000 games before retiring. Gerald has had several articles published in Automotive Fleet, Business Fleet, and other Automotive/Material Handling magazines over the years. He enjoys reading and writing poetry as well as teaching the Bible. He has taught Sunday school and Bible studies/conferences for 54 years. Gerald and his wife, Sherry, have been married over 50 years and presently live in Burleson, Texas.