We had a trampoline, a fire pit surrounded by straw bales, a beach volleyball court, lots of loud music from the rented speakers under the tent, fireworks, a freezer full of ice cream treats, burgers and chips and pop (et cetera), a full breakfast for the hangers-on. It was the best party we ever hosted.
For me, the most memorable part of the party, besides the music, was a balloon release just as the sky began to lighten in the early morning. Each grad received a helium-filled balloon in the color of their choice. Then all the balloons were released at the same time. The sight was very moving. Some balloons stuck together for quite a while, some took off immediately on their own, some wafted here and there, some quickly reached the heights and disappeared. And we all held our breath as we contemplated.
That event is now almost twenty years in the past, and the lives of the grads that gathered that night have been as diverse as the balloons suggested they might be.
What balloons did we release last year? What balloons do you plan to release this year? We can make plans—and we should—but there are only so many things we can control. We have no idea what this year will hold, but we can give it our best shot.
God bless as you launch into this new year!
What a wonderful thing you did for your young grads, Janice. I love the image of the balloons, like young people, scattering in every direction. I appreciate you question about what balloons we will release this year. Recently, I’ve been feeling like the balloons myself–scattered in every direction. Thanks for this message.
Thanks, Sharon, but we really cannot take any credit for that grad party. My daughter had a group of amazing friends who pretty well planned and executed every aspect of it. We just offered our yard and our time.
Oh yeah, so often I feel the scatteredness. Prayer and lists and talking it out seems to help. Oh, and time to realize I will make it through.