His Wife Passed Away But Look Closely At The Bridge Behind Him

#1 The Love Bridge

This bridge is the result of a true love story. It took fifty years to write and is now forever standing as a monument and tribute between two hearts that beat as one.

#2 Larry & Pat Bushnell

The love story is about Larry and Pat Payne of Bushnell, who were married for more than fifty years. They fell in love in high school and married after graduation.

#3 Many Happy Years

In all those happy years, they raised a beautiful family and built a life for themselves on their very own farm. Together they worked as one and made ends meet and were very happy.

#4 Pat Gets Sick

But Pat became sick at the end of last year. After being diagnosed with cancer, she decided to fight it and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Her chances were very good and Larry had high hopes for his loving companion.

#5 She Succumbs To Breast Cancer

But this Spring, Larry lost the love of his life to breast cancer.

#6 They Built A Bridge

Larry came up with a way to help his community and honor his wife at the same time. Along with some close friends, he built this bridge. It's made of a 40-foot semi-trailer bed and natural oak. And it has a pink roof.

#7 Over The Creek

The bridge crosses over a small creek separating two parts of the Bushnell Township Cemetery. Now known as Payne's Crossing. But people often inquire about the bridges roof color.

#8 The Pink Roof Meaning

"Had a lady the other day say, âÂ€Â˜Well I don't like the pink,'" said Larry. "And I said, âÂ€Â˜Well, maybe you just don't understand that that pink is the cancer is what that means.'"

#9 The Couples Daughter Christine

Pat and Larry's daughter Christine says her father put his "heart and soul into it." She said, "It's a tribute to my mom and everyone else that's lost their fight to cancer."

#10 She's Smiling Down

"You know she's smiling. I know she's smiling. And she had one of the prettiest smiles that's what I said. I love my wife and there's nobody that loves anybody any more than I do her," Larry said.

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