~balloons~

I went to visit a friend after work today.

She is not doing very well.

I walked in and my friend's son was there.   

My friend was napping.

Her son handed me a letter.

It was addressed to his mother.

I opened the letter and began to read it.

Tears clouded my eyes.

My throat gulped.

I shivered.

Goose bumps filled my arms.

The note was from a complete stranger.

He found her address...

inside a Ziploc baggie...

laying on the beach...

attached to a bunch of deflated balloons...

FIVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY MILES AWAY!!

So, today, I am thankful for two people in particular.

My friend:

She has taught me so much in the time I've spent with her. She is one of the most considerate, caring people I know.  And I can picture her now... standing outside, letting go, and watching the balloons rise into the sky with her note attached. She has spunk and a passion for life.  She's a fighter.

This stranger:

You are a kind man with a gentle heart.

Thanks for finding her balloons.

Thanks for picking them up and taking them home.

Thanks for paying the postage and dropping your letter in the mail.

Thanks for your kind words.

But most of all..

thanks for making 

my friend 

smile.