24 Red Balloons
"Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon."
Winnie the Pooh
This past week I have seen balloons everywhere: in the arms of a child, tangled in a tree, in the lobby of my apartment building, at the entrance to our hotel, in the mall, mingling among wires on the highway and in the sky.
My friend loved balloons. Whether it was a baby shower, birthday or retirement party, she always showed up with a dozen balloons. Her love of balloons was almost magical. Her face would light up and she would get this look about her whenever they were in her presence. They just made her so happy and so full of joy.
There were not balloons at her funeral. I don't think any of us could quite bring ourselves to realize that we would never again see that look of joy on her face. Still, the thought of her funeral without balloons really bothered me.
This morning while we were eating brunch, I caught the glimpse of a young girl carrying around a dozen pink balloons. She had the same look on her face that my friend so often had whenever she was in the presence of balloons. I wanted to run after the girl. I wanted to see the smile on my friends face just once more. I wanted to capture it forever in my memory. But that was not possible.
Not people to easily give up. We instead devised a plan. We would go to the toy/balloon shoppe and purchase 24 red biodegradable balloons. Red because it was her favourite color and 24 because that is how many beautiful year she was present on the planet. As we walked along the cobble stone streets, we were met with many smiles by strangers. People who would almost mimic that look of joy we were hoping to capture.
Once we returned to the car, we put the balloons in the back seat and began the drive home. On the way, we decided that we would write messages on each of the balloons and let them go at the accident site. One by one, we wrote on each of them and released them. For a moment, I could feel the face my friend so often made reflected on my own.
Love this post! And what a great quote to put with it. Perfect!!
Lauren says
What a beautiful post and moving tribute!
Revisionista says
beautiful!
Sending you big hugs :)
AnalieseMarie says
That is a beautiful idea. I'm continuing to send loving thoughts your way. *hugs*
Carolyn says
What a lovely and heart warming rememberance of your friend. xo Carolyn
Lavanya says
What a beautiful beautiful post. And such a lovely thought.
*hugs*
Melita says
this is so beautiful. hugs!!
Ellecubed says
Thank you all for your lovely comments. They have totally touched my heart.
dharmagirl says
what a gorgeous tribute to your friend, and a way to engage your grief.
take care:)
Nona says
I just stumbled on your blog and simply love it. Thank you for sharing...
This is a lovely post - what a sweet and beautiful way to hold your friend in your heart and honor your grief.
Sara @Soulspackle says
The year my mother died of ALS, my sister and I participated in a
'Walk to D'Feet ALS'. At the end of the walk, we gathered in a local park and we released red balloons into the sky for each loved one we'd lost to ALS. It was also part of letting go, what a powerful metaphor.
I love imagining your friend light up when balloons were around. I can tell she was a wise, joyful person and a wonderful friend.
Kiki says
What a gorgeous post - will you post an update? How did the release go? I'd love to hear more about how you are working through this.
Thinking of you...