A Boy and His Balloon

As kids grow up they do so many funny things as they discover the world and find enjoyment in simple things...like a yellow balloon from Trader Joe's. The free balloons are just one of the many reasons it is a great store, but lest I lose my Dad's interest by talking about Trader Joe's onto the real story.

The three kids got balloons. Everett and his balloon, as is often the case with kids and balloons, formed an immediate and lasting bond (lasting is a relative term, in this case meaning the period of time over which parents grow tired of a balloon). He brought it all around the house so proud and having a grand ol' time. The sequence of pictures tells the story better than I can and we put a short video clip of the fun as well.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. In the midst of it all, there was a boy and his balloon...

They were the best of friends and things couldn't be better, until...

Helium played the cruel trick it always pulls on unsuspecting children. "No, don't go! Everett meant to say, but only a grunt, growl, and a desperate scream came out.

"Dad! Do something," his pleading eyes and worried expression seemed to say.

"This is not good. How could this have happened? I only let go of the string for a moment. I hope he is okay...and not too lonely up there. How's the weather up there?"

Reunited and it feels so good!