The importance of balloons

When I found out the new town I was moving to has a celebration all about hot air balloons, I was thrilled. I’ve never been up in a balloon before, but they hold a special place in my family. I even have a nice sized tattoo of a hot air balloon on my back, done in memory of my grandmother.

When I was 2 years old, my grandmother Ilah died after a battle with Lymphoma. While I don’t have a ton of memories of her, she’s always been a very important part of my life. Ilah always enjoyed hot air balloons, but my family’s connection of hot air balloons to her really came into place a couple months before she died.

My aunt, serving in the Navy during this time, took leave and came back to Wisconsin to see her dying mother. My grandmother had always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride, so the family decided this was the perfect time to do it. My aunt, dad and grandmother went up, with my mom and young me following in the chase vehicle.

While I don’t remember this myself, there is an old home video of this moment I’ve seen a number of times. The balloon’s basket had a little bit of a rough landing, but as my grandmother was helped out, she was nothing but smiles. Since then, we have always associated hot air balloons with my grandma.

This year in October will mark 20 years since she passed away. It can be hard for me to think about, knowing that she was only 56 years old when she died. My parents are both 53 right now. I can’t imagine being the age I am now and losing either one of them.

Originally, my immediate family had planned on doing a hot air balloon ride this year to mark the 20th anniversary. While we were unable to make it work this summer, I might still have the chance myself this weekend.

I recently learned the balloonists at Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days will sometimes take up their sponsors for a flight. The Creston News Advertiser sponsors a balloonist and I was asked if I was interested in flying. All things considered, I couldn’t say no.

I’m not sure if I’m excited about this chance, however. As much as I love hot air balloons and have always planned on eventually doing this, I truly hate heights. This will be a big moment for me, not only because of the meaningfulness of it, but also in conquering some of my fears.

My parents will be coming this weekend to experience Balloon Days. I’m excited for this weekend to be a time to not only enjoy the beauty of hot air balloons, but also to remember Ilah.