By Rich Osborne
Like every other Islander, I have endured the Judd Creek bridge closure.
And yes, it added five minutes and 20 seconds to my commute. Every time.
But I noticed something. Somehow, it increased my toleration of other drivers.
I found myself channeling Bobby McFerrin. “Don’t worry, be happy.”
My friend John said, “I am so tired of driving past the Jesus Barn.”
“Don’t worry, be happy.”
It appears to me that shared inconvenience gave us increased ability to allow for others’ their driving foibles.
Somebody in a white Jeep Comanche cut me off. Don’t worry, be happy. We both made the ferry.
A cyclist blew through the stoplight at Vashon Highway and Bank Road without slowing down, let alone stopping. She didn’t kill anybody. Her risk, not mine. Don’t worry, be happy.
An older couple took the long way, kitty-corner across Bank Road, pushing their walkers. They were cute. Don’t worry, be happy.
A family of six, with two still in strollers, was so grateful when I stopped for them, crossing outside the crosswalk. Don’t worry, be happy.
The bridge is open again!
Bobby McFerrin nailed it. Don’t worry, be happy. We still get to live in the best place in the world.
Is your ferry sailing late? Don’t worry, be happy.
Feel free to whistle the melody now.
