EDIT**Check out what Dave did for Christophee. So sweet I about cried.
Am I completely lame because I just held a funeral for a balloon? Does it make it worse that I was stoned on Nyquil, and standing outside in my pajamas just wanting to die in my bed?
Christopher came home from school completely excited because of his balloon-friend, “Ghostie”.
He made him during the Halloween party at his school. He painstakingly wrote his name and Ghostie’s name on the sides of the balloon with a Sharpie marker.
“Look Momma! Isn’t he cute? I worked on him all during the party! He is my little pal. He has big eyes like you and I made a pumpkin mouth for him and everything!”
It really was too cute.
He insisted that I take a picture and then announced that he was going outside to play.
As I was preparing to go crawl back into bed, I heard a huge shriek outside.
“Ghostie” gave up the ghost.
Pretty messy remains, too.
Christopher was hysterical. He doesn’t deal with loss well at ALL. This seemed to be Particularly hard on him. My heart oozed just listening to him. Nothing that usually works made him smile. Not even the threat of taking him to “The Tickle Hospital” which is my Big Gun.
Finally, he asked if we could have a funeral for Ghostie.
Dude.
I’m a soft wuss. I wanted him to feel better. So we did it. Sorta.
I refused to actually bury a balloon in the earth, but I let him tell me what he liked about Ghostie, put him in a ziplock baggie so that he “Wouldn’t get yuckky from the rest of the trash”, and we put him in the big black garbage can.
Do you go to hell for letting a minor say a prayer for a balloon?
We stayed outside by the garbage can until Christopher was ready to shut the lid and go play.
I am sure that the parents that were late picking up their kids from school had a great view as they drove by my house.
“The former PTA President is standing outside in her pajamas looking like roadkill at 3 pm. Hmmm…All the rumors must be true!”
(I’m way more important in my own mind than in actuality. Just in case you didn’t know.)
After we came back inside, Christopher was still just…GLUM. He went into his room and laid on his bed (A sure sign of true sadness with him). I told him if he could find a way to give me a smile, I would post about Ghostie on my blog.
This was the best I could get out of him.
He did attempt to smile, though, so I am keeping my promise about posting.
(I will let you know if my son grows up to be a FedEx dude stranded on an island mourning the passing of his beloved volleyball, “Wilson”.)
“GHOSTIE”
10/27/06-10/27/06
R.I.P
Little Buddy
C’s big eyes show evidence of sadness… I’m tearing up for him!
*in between snorts of laughter*
What a great (sorry, tragic) story. Isn’t it amazing how quickly kids can bond with random inanimate objects? Even more so when they’ve been given a name and personality. I always get in trouble for throwing things out that were in fact a new best friend.
Yes, a great story. You are an absolutely AWESOME mom!
He is such a cutie! You know, the difference in ages may seem significant now, but when they are in their twenties, it won’t, so I think we should consider some sort of old fashioned arranged marriage for our two… then we could be inlaws. Hmmm, probably not a good idea- too much crazy between the two of us… wouldn’t want to do that to our sane family members (i.e. our hubbies)
Dear Loralee and Christopher,
Small child and I were very, very sad to hear about Ghostie. I’m sorry that we couldn’t make it for the service. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. And please hold your heads high in knowing that you gave Ghostie the best day of his life. = )
With love and respect,
Loralee2 and Small child
lol…I probably shouldn’t laugh, because I know this was a tragedy for Christopher. But man…it’s just too funny. Go you for having the funeral! Ghostie’s time on Earth was short, but I know he was well loved.
I’m sure there’re many sound theological arguments for why this was acceptable.
not that they’ll do you much good as you’re burning at the stake.
no you won’t go to tell, lor. you probably made God roll his eyes and smile. at least you’re a great mom. i don’t think i could have given a balloon a funeral.
Yeah, my middle boy also has the ability to produce the best serial killer like smiles when prompted to “just smile like normal” ha ha
You didn’t bury the balloon? Rubik….shame, shame, shame..
That is completely adorable. Poor kid. I don’t think there is anything wrong with a balloon funeral. Someone has to care. :o)
You’re going to make him so gay, LL. Be prepared for Barbara Streisand-themed birthday parties come high school.
=)
Chrissafee is so damn cute. I love that he’s trying to put on his “brave” face. You were right, it did make us smile.
linny
i love this story – it’s very sweet.
I know. He tried so hard to smile!
It about broke my heart. He always does.
I’m glad it made you smile. I was on the verge of draping myself in christmas lights and caroling your house.
I even would have made the drive in my piece of shit station wagon.
I drove down to SLC with Bob and LaRee to try and see you. THAT is devotion! 4 hours in a car with the Rents. Yay.
Oh, oh, OH! Your boy is so sweet! And you are so sweet to do that for him.
He has his mother’s eyes. They even turn the same shade when you cry.
You CAN’T make someone gay, Alex.
Hey, I look at it this way…I would have someone to shop with.
:D