Trip #445 Milnor Street, Westwood, Pittsburgh took place on May 10, 2020, and was published on June 1, 2020.
Even the lightest of weights can become unbearably heavy over time. In the beginning, it might feel so manageable, such a simple thing to carry, but over time, that weight chafes and bruises, burrows deep into spots both soft and hard. You move the weight around, trying to find a comfortable location, but the relief never lasts long. In time, that weight wears away at your joy, your ease, your peace, and becomes part of your identity. You lose the power to cast it aside or ask others for help.
.
We often don’t understand the incredibly heavy weights many people carry every day because, on the surface, they appear so light and simple. We can only gain insight into another’s pain when we make ourselves available to help them carry the load.
Field Notes: This flight along Milnor Street was crumbling but someone (the city?) rebuilt the crumbled steps with wood. Looks great and very functional! I wish they’d do that for other crumbling flights – seems much more cost-effective.
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
Like watching videos? Check out PCTV21’s 100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh YouTube channel. Hosted by author and journalist Rossilynne Culgan, there’s even an episode where she interviews me about City Steps. When you want to start planning warm-weather excursions, this series will do you right.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
