Ever watch a balloon descend from the heavens?

I just witnessed an extremely rare phenomena for the first time. Many have watched as a careless child loses grip on their balloon and sends it soaring up into the sky, never to be seen again, but today I saw the end of that balloon's journey. It miraculously survived the upper atmosphere, birds, planes, and popping from the pressure difference to float gently back upon us. I just happened to look out the window and saw the lone pink balloon slowly descending from the sky and landing on the ground across the street.

Has anyone else ever seen this?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

jomsim · 26-30, M

I have seen it and it was one of those balloons with a little envelope containing the name of who launched it and where from, so that you can contact them and tell them how far it went.

I was hoping it had come from the other side of the world, ten years ago, because it would be a great story. Alas, it came from about a mile away and had been launched just 45 minutes previously.

FaeLuna · 31-35, F

@jomsim Aww, did you tell them the truth or did you make up a good story?

jomsim · 26-30, M

@FaeLuna I thought about it for ages. I didn't want to lie, but I also didn't want to disappoint them, so I thought that if I didn't tell them, in their mind the balloon was still out there, having adventures, and eventually they'd just naturally forget.

Seemed the kindest thing to do.

FaeLuna · 31-35, F

@jomsim Sometimes the allure of the mystery can be way more appealing than reality. I hope I find one of those some day!

jomsim · 26-30, M

@FaeLuna Yeah, I agree with you. I released one of them when I was about 6 or 7. I still imagine someone is going to find it someday and smile at my little kid handwriting.

FaeLuna · 31-35, F

@jomsim If I ever have kids, that sounds like a project I'd love to do with them!