One of the most eagerly awaited events at the SOFT Conference each year is the Ryan Cantrell Memorial Balloon Release. Each year all the families and children gather in honour of all our angels who have gained their wings and flown from us. Together they release balloons in memory of their children and special friends.

Many of us like to think that we are releasing balloons and sending them on their way to heaven for our angels to play with.

It is a very special time, and maybe not so surprisingly, our angels seem to be there with us, remembering, laughing and crying together. For those that believe we can often see signs that this is the case.

This year was no exception. Despite all the planning that went into making it a special time it soon became obvious that the whole event was not in earthly hands but being orchestrated by a band of loving yet mischievous angels.

Just as the balloon release was due to start a lone red balloon drifted upwards. All eyes turned to watch. The balloon belonged to Dixie, friend and companion to Paige Barton who died suddenly, aged 47 years, just 2 weeks after the 1999 SOFT Conference. Paige was a very special person, and a very dear friend. I like to think that Paige is in heaven welcoming all our precious angels, sitting with them on her knee and comforting them as they miss their earthly families.

Dixie had not intended to release her balloon, instead it was taken from her hand by the wind. Judging from what happened next I think it was Paige signalling to all the baby angels that now was the time to start their gift to their families.

Suddenly there was a large clap of thunder. As the sound died away a brilliant rainbow appeared in the sky. We knew that our angels were there with us.

One by one Charleen, our special grandma to Ashley (T-13) called out the names of our angels. One by one balloons, all the colours of the rainbow drifted on upwards. Fond memories brought tears of sadness from each and every family.

A replacement balloon was found for Paige. Dixie released it when Paige's name was called. But instead of drifting upwards to heaven it caught amongst the branches of tree. As the last name was called and the balloon released a heavenly hand lifted Paige's balloon clear of the tree and it too joined the others. Was Paige making sure that all our angels received their balloons?

At almost the same time another rainbow appeared in the sky to make the most beautiful double rainbow.

And as the last balloon drifted out of sight and all the families were hugging each other and the tears were flowing freely our angels joined in and tears began to fall from heaven.

It rained for about half an hour, and as the rain cleared Penny gathered the parents around her. In her arms was a mysterious box. Gently she placed it on the ground. As she lifted the lid the sides also fell away and 150 majestic monarch butterflies gently fluttered by. Stopping briefly to give beautiful butterfly kisses, to the children and the families. After resting briefly with the families they flew heavenward taking on their wings the love and wishes of all of us here to our precious angels.

Join us in viewing some special moments from the balloon release.

Click on the small picture to see a larger copy.