A Trinity River Reflection

Staring at the reflections of the clouds on the Trinity River, I begin to ponder all of the things that water has seen. The surface tension of water creates a smooth surface so that light can reflect off it. Large collections of water molecules are constantly creating an image. Though slightly distorted, this image is recreated from the water's viewpoint. Before the common use of mirrors, water was the source of seeing ones reflection. A passing stream or a lake still gives animals the opportunity to do this today. Even the color of our sky is blue because of the reflective properties of water. Large bodies of water have a completely different viewpoint than the human eye. Not even a bird’s eye view can compare to aerial picture that water is always seeing. Lakes, rivers and the ocean view the planes, birds, bugs, and clouds as they fly overhead.

Trying to be very observant and really take in my surroundings, the next thing I notice is the sound of Latino music playing to the left of me. I look over to find many large tents and tons of people gathered about the pavilion near by. It takes me a little while to realize that this is the cause of the parking fee that I had to avoid when finding my blogging destination. As I get an idea of what is going on, I conclude that some sort of Mexican festival is occurring. Desiring to know the cause of all the ruckus and excitement, I use the Internet to fill me in on the fact that September 16^th is Independence Day for Mexico! Being the 14^th of September, the event must be held for this purpose. Again, the Trinity River amazes me. It is in an important asset to people all over Texas, and now even beyond. The Trinity River is allowing people to celebrate and connect back to their native land and ancestors in Mexico.

With the view of the courthouse behind the river, I cannot help to think of the history of Fort Worth and the importance of the river. It is no coincidence that this section of the river backs up into the edgings of the city! The river gives Fort Worth a multitude of resources and can even be considered the primary reason for the location of Fort Worth. This river provides the city with drinking water, natural habitat, sewage filtration, flood prevention, and recreational opportunities (like the canoes in front of me, my yoga experience, hiking, bike riding, and even bird watching). Without all of the opportunities that this river provides, Fort Worth would be without necessities that allow the city to thrive.

Obviously, becoming really deep in thought about this beautiful body of water in front of me, I started to question the name Trinity river. How did this name arise? Possibly a reference to Christianity? The Trinity being the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? Again, I take the questions to my smart phone and come to learn a little bit more for the day. I learn that the river began with a multitude of names from different identifications such as Arkikosa by the Indians, River of the Canoes by a French explorer and La Santisima Trinidad by a Spanish explorer. The translation of this is the “Most Holy Trinity”, where the name Trinity River is derived. “La Santisima Trinidad” comes from the discovery occurring two days before the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, it being common for the time to name a landmark after a religious feast or holy day.

Who would of thought I would have learned so much in a short amount of time of thought reflection about the Trinity River. Definitely not me!