We woke before sunrise for the adventure. The air was cold, the breeze gentle. As the sun began to distill the morning fog, we arrived at our destination - a large soccer field. Spread across the field was a bright, colorful mountain of fabric. It began to inflate. Bigger and bigger, taller and taller, until it reached high into the sky.
It was time to climb in. The basket bobbed up and down as each entered. We were about to fly. The motion of the basket grew. Up and down, up and down, like a raft on the rolling sea.
Up, up, and way we flew. Feliz Cumpleaños. Happy Birthday. Ruth is turning 12 next week. Time is flying past, much like the earth below. Our sweet, lovely, gentle Ruth.
The air was crisp, but the fire from the balloon kept us warm. Up and down, up and down. Each blast of fire sent us further away from the cold, wet earth.
For a moment we had escaped reality, but it was time to return. Mist gathered around us as we descended, gradually, returning to work, school, responsibility, life.
Then, to our great surprise, the perfect landing. Right smack dab in the middle of the trailer parked on a thin dirt road. They drove us, balloon, basket and all, to a large field where the pilot lead us in a prayer and an orange juice toast. We all repeated word for word. Thank you for the gentle breeze. Thank you for life we are living. Thank you for our safe return to mother earth.
Today was to celebrate the gift of life given to Ruth Louise. She is a gift to this family, this world. Twelve years have flown by. Thank you for every moment.
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