Balloons

Remembrance.  Memory.  Recognition.

Yesterday we went to a "Remembrance Ceremony" for families of CCBD patients (Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders) who have lost their earthly battle.  Employees of the Oncology department at Children's put on this special event to honor these brave kids.

The kids range in age - from a few months old to 18 years of age.  The families are at all stages of the grief process from the deep heartfelt sob of a mother's fresh wound to an extended family with t-shirts honoring their child who passed eight years ago.  Each family must bravely move forward.

A video celebrating each child's courageous battle contained pictures and a few video-taped messages from their loved ones.  It was so sad and so inspiring.  So much unfairness yet so much joy.

Picture after picture showed kids facing chemo and adversity with a big smile on their face.  It showed them remembering to play.  Remembering that relationships and family are what really matter. 

These wise young kids always remembered to let their light shine.

To honor them, one balloon per child honored was released into the air.  We watched as yellow & white balloons danced their way through the sky.  The higher they climbed, the more they looked like lights in the distance.

Lights illuminating beautiful lives.   I only hope someday my life can shine half as bright as theirs.