A Blue Balloon

The robin's-egg blue balloon quivered for a moment, rose in the air slowly, then shot skyward as a gust of air caught it. It went straight up and up and up...then just seemed to hang there. Apparantly, there was little wind as it went higher, and for at least ten minutes it just seemed to hover at the same altitude, the short length of ribbon still attached glinting in the fading light of sunset. As my eyes filled with tears, I thanked God again for my mother and wished her well one more time. I finally turned away and got back in the car and headed for home. My family was waiting for me to eat dinner.

On Sunday, I remembered the second anniversary of my mom's death by releasing a ballon. We started the tradition last year on the first anniversaries of my parent's deaths, only 9 weeks apart. My dad's is orange, as he was a big fan of Univ. of Tennessee football, the "Big Orange" and his alma mater. My mom's is blue, one of her favorite colors and the color of her eyes. We release them near the mouth of a nearby canyon, where I often hike, bike and ski. I always wonder if I will find one some day. The prevailing winds usually take them into the canyon, but with my dad's last year,the wind took it way out over the city. Where did it end up, I wonder. In someone's tree? (Sorry about that.)

It's not very original, I know, but when I do it, I feel how I did when they died: having to let go as they rose heavenward, up and up and up....until I could see them no more. I trust they are in God's heaven, enjoying eternity with Him and with each other, as they both looked forward to. And if I ever do find one of the balloons on a hike or a ride, it will be a reminder that I will see them again one day too...

I love you mom and dad.

I will never forget you.

I look forward to the day when I too soar upward...and celebrate with you, and all those who have gone before...