I remember as a child, the dilemma I faced when I held a beautiful balloon in my hand and the occasion called for me to let go of it. Though a part of me longed to see my balloon flying into the sky, I couldn’t stand the idea of letting go of something so beautiful.

Love is like that, isn’t it? Love sometimes calls for us to let go of something, someone we deeply desire to hold on to. I received the saddening news of loss this week—a beautiful little girl that left this earth long before any of us were ready to say goodbye.

Five year old me watched as my beautiful balloon drifted up into the sky until it slowly disappeared. My heart ached a bit, but I knew that the balloon was made to fly. Little did I know that same balloon would live on in my memory, in my heart, and now in my choice to share it with others.

Perhaps this is how we keep alive those that leave us behind; we let them fly but hold on to love.

.

Too soon it seems

she got her wings

but not to God

who knows all things.

.

He planned her life

before the start.

He knew the hour

that she would part.

.

She lit the room

with her smile.

It made us wish

she’d stay a while.

.

She now sings songs 

on Earth she never could.

She finally flies freely

the way she should.

.

Lord let us let go

just like the balloon;

give us comfort 

they’ll reach her soon.

.

Wipe our tears,

oh God above.

Teach us to let go

but hold on to love.