About a week ago I was chatting with Mali about doing something special for Grandma on Thursday because it will have been 1 year since Grandma went to Heaven. She thought a lot about this for a couple of days and had many suggestions…not a whole lot that were possible. One day I heard her run up to Benji in the room and tell him she had a great idea and wanted to send Grandma a message on a balloon so she could get it in Heaven. We thought this was an amazing idea. On Wednesday Benji brought the balloons to Coop so they could have them ready and blown up by Thursday (yesterday). On Thursday afternoon the girls drew a picture and wrote a message for Grandma while Benji had taken a day trip out to Pontoon in the Arctic Loon accompanied by Oscar.
Taya’s message:
I love you Grandma and I think you love me. But you’re in the sky. I love you for all. Grandma – You are the best Grandma in the whole world. Love, Taya
Mali’s message:
Dear Grandma, How are you doing? I wish that you could send me a letter down the sky. I like that you came at my house. I really wish that I could send you a flower and I wish that you could come to my house. And I wish I could go see you and your dog, Barkley. And I wish my whole family and friends could come to Heaven and see you. I think you’re having fun there. I love you and miss you. Love, Mali
Thursday, August 6th, 2009 we gathered together as a family here in Yellowknife to reflect, remember, honor, and celebrate Mom/Grandma. We headed to the Ashby’s for a bbq, soccer, football and a fire in the backyard. After dinner we all wrote messages on the balloons. The girls attached their message. And on the count to 3 they were released. For me I loved seeing everyone’s face watching the balloons float away. Different expressions. Reflections. Sadness. And joy. The face I loved the most in that moment was Mali’s. She was watching her idea come to life. And it must have turned out exactly as she pictured it because she had a smile on her face the entire time. On our way home she said; “I just know that Grandma got her balloons. There were so many. I bet the Angels had to help her catch them all”. Her faith and assurance makes me believe that Mom did get those balloons and was thrilled.
2 Comments
August 7, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Very beautiful Ev. Talked to Cindy last night. Sounds like it was a nice evening with everyone. We miss her too.
September 9, 2009 at 6:07 pm
amazing.