There are few certainties in life. We are born, and we will die. What matters the most is the time we spend in between.
That is the time that creates memories. Memories that will comfort us as we age, memories that will keep us alive after we are gone.
Memories can bring us strength and also remind us of our pain. But most of all, they are portable and powerful, for they keep us and shape us into who we will be.
The best memories though are feelings. How a particular event or person made us feel. You my friend, always made me feel loved and accepted, no matter how “neurotic” I could be. We could make even the most mundane and necessary tasks, into something fun. We could walk through blizzards because we had a chocolate craving! LOL
If I had to choose one particular memory to share I don’t think I could. We took ordinary life and experienced it. We appreciated the beauty of everything around us. Whether just walking, or watching our favorite shows.
But I will tell the story of the 50 black balloons.
Our manager was turning 50 and had a special love for Tootsie Rolls. Cheryl and I got the idea that we would buy 50 black balloons and tie a giant Tootsie Roll to each and fill his office. We waited until everyone had left the building a walked down to Ballard’s. Not a particularly long walk, however, it was March and the wind was ripping.
Norm was all too happy to fill our request and even put a glob of some thick, white substance in each balloon that would keep it from popping and turning transport. He threw in a few extra, just in case. Then he looked out in the parking lot, and said, how are you getting these back? Walk, we replied. He reached in his pocket and threw us the key to the “Ballard Mobile” and said, take the van and drop it off later.
So we pile the 50+ black balloons into the van and drive back to the office.
Trying, but not really succeeding, to be quiet we get them into the building and up to the 2nd floor. Now those of you who know Cheryl, are aware of her affinity for all things high-heeled. Naturally, the laughing, sneaking and the fact that the corridor was dark, caused her to stumble, and one balloon broke loose and made the loudest “BOOM” as the white goo inside exploded all over the wall! Too high for us to clean, not to mention, she had jumped about 10 feet in the air, and most likely wet her pants!
I will leave the image of a huge splat of white gooey substance, with bits of broken latex mixed into your imagination. The next day, our boss, to his delight, loved his balloon bouquet, but people were puzzled about the mess on the wall. Cheryl and I walked by, she looked up and just casually said, “Wow, that looks like someone had a serious misfire.”
Thank you my friend, for making life an adventure. I will continue our journey with your amazing family. We incorporate your life and your spirit into our daily lives. I love you and happy heavenly birthday.