I woke up this morning thinking about John Lewis, the scenes from yesterday playing over and over in my head. The woman speaking in Selma, “We are all John’s disciples. He left us the road map, all we have to do is be brave enough to follow it.” His ride over the bridge, stopping at the top for heartbreaking moments. The symbolism.

I never met John Lewis, though some members of my truck safety family have. He championed our causes like he championed causes for all people who were marginalized. He had a heart big enough to hold us all.

Yesterday it was said he crossed the bridge for the last time but this morning I find myself disagreeing.

I think that every time someone holds out a hand to pull someone else along, John crosses the bridge. Each time an honest conversation is had between people that wouldn’t have spoken before, John crosses the bridge. Whenever an individual gets a hand up and breaks the cycle of poverty, or abuse, or illiteracy, John crosses the bridge.

And the best part? We all get to cross that bridge with him. Over and over and over again until this country is the country it was meant to be. John Lewis’ shoulders are big enough to carry us all, and we are grateful for his strength.

Let’s be brave enough to follow the road map he left us. Because don’t think for one minute that he’s resting now, I imagine he’s making sure all things are right in the next life. And he’s watching to see what we do here with his legacy.

I wouldn’t want to disappoint him.