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 do 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…

Author Unknown