Ryan Cantrell Memorial Balloon Release 2000
Camp Ithiel, Orlando Florida USA

It was a warm, humid day.  The were people, balloons, rainbows and butterflies.  Every year at the SOFT conference balloons are released in memory of the children that have died as a result of Trisomy 18/13 or a related disorder.  This year was no different or was it?

The ceremony was about to begin when a lone red balloon floated off into the sky.  The balloon belonged to Paige Barton.  Last year, two weeks after conference, Paige died as a result of complications due to Mosaic Trisomy 18, she was 47 years old.  Dixie, her carer, had come to conference to pay tribute to her friend.  The balloon blew out of Dixie's hands and floated away....... soon after a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.  A replacement balloon was released for Paige.  This one lodged itself in the branches of a nearby tree.  All the other balloons were released and then Paige's balloon blew out of the branches and floated away with the others.  Another beautiful rainbow appeared in the darkening sky.  The storm clouds were gathering.  Penny Victor entered the circle of people with a box.  Two dozen Monarch butterflies were then released.  A short time later the heavens opened and we all ducked for cover.  It was the most amazing time, it sent chills down my spine I will never forget that day.  Thankyou to SOFT of Florida for making it so special for all of us.   

The impending storm didn't dampen our spirits

A day I will never forget and neither will Jen.

Remembering a recent angel

The Pass family releasing Louise's balloon

Disclaimer: the text on this page was written by Cuddlefish and is purely my interpretation of what happened that day.

The music you are listening to is "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle & Randy Thomas.  I chose this song because the balloon release makes me think of sending kisses to heaven, so this year we sent butterfly kisses. :o))