Your Key West story shows that you unconditionally love your family and it further shows the mutual respect that existed between the generations. Maybe the bridge is not one of physical dimension but of time.
You have the opportunity to proudly look back with appreciation and to hold the thought that America is still strong and the best is yet to be. Thanks for your story - I could see the water and bright sunlight in my mind's eye as I read it.
I am building our bridge, one brick at a time, with each and every story that I write.
"I love you old man, I'm building our bridge."