When Life Hands You Balloons

Last Saturday we went to a park to have our pictures taken by my brother-in-law. I wanted to get some photos of the three of us as a family (since we haven't done that yet, *ahem*) and some of Avery. The day before, I had planned to go get a single helium balloon for Avery's pictures. The only place I know of to get helium balloons (the regular kind, not the foil kind) is on the other side of town and well, it didn't work out for me to go get one. Then that evening Josh was going to go get one and that didn't work out either as he had to worry about getting his hair cut and there just wasn't time. Oh, and did I mention that during this time we're juggling one car because our other vehicle decided to have issues again? Yeeeeah. We decided that if we had time in the morning, we'd go buy a balloon before getting our pictures taken.

Needless to say, we did not have time in the morning. After leaving later than intended, Josh asked if we still wanted to stop and get a balloon. "Uhhh, no." I said. "We're already running late!" I had been feeling frustrated that we didn't have time to get a balloon for Avery's pictures. And normally when I feel that way about something that is out of my control, I look around for someone else to blame to alleviate my frustration. I stew. I sulk. But in that moment, I decided not to let my normal reaction take over. I didn't want to make my family miserable right before family pictures! So I said laughingly, "Maybe there will be a man selling balloons at the park!" Josh laughed with me at the ridiculousness of that thought. But it made me feel better and, hey! It could happen, right?

We met my brother-in-law in the parking lot of the park and as we're walking away from our cars, we pass a young family with a baby getting ready to leave. And with them they are carrying a big bunch of...you guessed it...balloons! I think as they passed by, I said to my brother-in-law, "Ohhh! I meant to go get a balloon for Avery's pictures and I didn't have a chance!" I looked wistfully after them and thought, "Do I dare go beg them for one of their balloons?" Josh was on the same wavelength as I was and said, "Why don't you just go ask them for a balloon?" I looked towards them, trying to work up the nerve to go ask, and I see that they're looking back at us. So we started walking towards each other and the young woman said, "Would you like our balloons? I overheard you say you wanted some." My hand flew to my heart and I said, "Yes, thank you! I meant to get some yesterday and didn't have time! Thank you so much!" I walked back to my family with the balloons in hand. I couldn't believe it! Avery loved the balloons and I think we'll have some good pictures of her with them...not to mention a good story to tell when we look back years from now.

So to the dear, sweet family in the park that gave us your balloons: Thank you! This mama was feeling bad that she didn't have a chance to get a single balloon for her daughter's photos. You helped make our pictures and our day! And thank you, God...I'm sure you had a part in that, too!