brothers!

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell
into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming
side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as
needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small
misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally
it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of
silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find
a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work"
he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there.
Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look
across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my
younger brother. "Last week there was a meadow between us and he
took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek
between us.

Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one
better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to
build me a fence -- an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his
place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me
the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that
pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the
carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.

The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing.
About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just
finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge
stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of
work, handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother,
was coming across, his hand outstretched.

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said
and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met
in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the
carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few
days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have many more
bridges to build.