Balloons
July 2, 2013 at 11:32 pm | Posted in after death?, Jake, life after loss, Love, Sawyer | 6 CommentsTags: baby loss, balloons, child loss, death of a baby, family, heaven?, new not so normal, thoughts, twins
Whenever our daughter is given a balloon she wants to let it go and send it to Jake and Sawyer. The balloons are not always just for Jake and Sawyer. She also sends them to Evan’s mom (Mom Mom), my grandfather (Grandpoppy) and other members of our family who have died. I think it started with the balloon launch at the end of the Walk to Remember. However, it has continued after birthday parties and school celebrations. She usually wants to come home with the balloon and stand in the driveway.
Next, she will find the perfect place to release the balloon so that it does not get caught in the trees. Sometimes, she will try to attach a note to the balloon. Other times, she will say a few words or give a few kisses to send with the balloon.
When she has finally determined that the conditions for the balloon release are as good as they are going to get, she lets it go.
We watch it for as long as we can. She asks me if I really think that they will get her balloon. I always say, “yes.”
Tonight at bedtime the twins were discussing the balloons that she sends. They debated the obstacles the balloon could encounter – tree branches, the wind, the lack of wind, etc. What would happen when the one balloon finally arrived? Would Jake or Sawyer hold it?
I chimed in that it did not really matter who held it. They could all look at the balloon and know that we are thinking about them.
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A Mourning Mom 
This is a beautiful ritual. And you are a beautiful family.
Comment by Daphne— July 3, 2013 #
What a wonderful family ritual. You have such special kids!
Comment by Sara— July 3, 2013 #
I love this – we send balloons up to Dylan too. 😉
Comment by Jenny Kernan— July 3, 2013 #
I love this Lanie. What a great sentimental tradition you have in your family. You know I often find balloons on the ranch…birthday balloons, congrats balloons, sometimes they are just plain colored balloons. I always think about who they were for when I pick them up (as they have popped and gotten stuck in some sage brush). Now I will think about ALL the people that were touched by this balloon, both on this earth and those who have gone before us. Thanks.
Comment by Amy Johnson— July 3, 2013 #
Lovely story to tell-and now when I see a balloon flying in the sky I will think about who it may be going to….
Comment by Eden— July 3, 2013 #
I’m glad the twins obviously feel so connected to Jake and Sawyer. That is such a special relationship.
Comment by Dilovely— July 3, 2013 #