Prescription: balloon ride

/ Meg

Balloons


I feel like I should be talking about Christmas, but all I’m thinking about are balloons.

It’s been seven months since Spencer and I sailed above Napa Valley in a hot air balloon — for, like, 45 minutes. Total. But those 45 minutes were absolutely life-affirming, and if I’d ever had any doubt that sometimes serenity can be found in the oddest of places? That would be it.

Eh, I’m dealing with some not-so-fun health issues at the moment. Nothing serious, don’t worry, but it’s jarring to find myself making medical appointments and getting tests and looking up insurance stuff. Filing claims — and realizing that I am the “policy holder.” It makes me feel both impossibly adult and impossibly young. I keep waiting for my organized, efficient and awesome mom to swoop in and handle all this for me, you know?

Sucks growing up.

I realize I’m pretty fortunate to never have had a brush with medical problems before — aside from some carpal stuff from too much crochet and piano in my youth. Never broke a bone, never stayed in a hospital. Aside from a few falls off the ol’ bike and the skinned knees that accompany them, I graduated from youth without any major setbacks.

Though I will be A-OK in no time, I feel weird and a little scared — because I need to start making some major life changes. That’s what’s shaken me up, I think — not even the problem itself, but what it means. Now in my late twenties, my body’s youthful exuberance is no longer something I can take for granted. When I talked to my friend Brandon about my current troubles, he smiled sympathetically. “You’ll be okay,” he said. “It happens. It’s just, you know, part of getting older.”

Getting older.

I won’t just “bounce back” from illnesses. Poor diet choices won’t just . . . melt away, dissolved by walks around campus or the playground. I mean, I’ve gained a significant amount of weight since college. Forty pounds, actually. Forty pounds.

Wow.

So: balloons! I return to balloons. They’re colorful. They make me happy. They’re something to remind me of all the fun life has to offer — the unexpected adventures; the good times and moments of Zen. Riding in that balloon with Spencer was quite Zen for me — so much so that I have a big print of the balloons next to my desk. I look at it often, especially when I’m feeling less-than-sparkly, and I remember.

What it was like to drift with no particular destination — and no control over how you’ll get there.

And I know I’ll feel that warm sun on my face again.


Colorful balloon


19 thoughts on “Prescription: balloon ride”

    • You know, I don’t know if that feeling ever does go away . . . there’s probably a part of us that always longs for our parents to come right our wrongs!

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  4. Oh boo, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with that. I’m at a very similar stage in life. Late twenties seem scary in a lot of ways because you’re still young, but your body is starting to lean more towards adulthood than youth. I put on weight after/during college too and the older you get the harder it is to ignore.

    p.s. Your post reminded me of how much I want to do a hot air balloon ride.

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    • Absolutely true, Melissa — and I’m definitely feeling more “adult” than kiddo these days. I don’t like hearing my knees pop when I stand up, you know? Aside from being embarrassing, it’s just . . . too soon for that. And yes, take a hot air balloon ride! Worth every penny.

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  5. I’ve never been on a balloon ride, but it sounds incredible, especially over Napa Valley. I hope you get your health issues figured out. It’s never fun–dealing with insurance companies is torture.

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    • If you get the chance to take a ride, Christina, take it! So amazing and unforgettable. The scenery was gorgeous, but the experience of floating above the earth was even better. Thanks for the words of encouragement, too!

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  6. These photos are beautiful. They send me to a happy place. Some life events these past two weeks have sent me to a new place of adulthood too. And it’s frightening. Your words capture it well. Sending hugs, love, and healing thoughts. xo

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    • Thank you, Melissa — sending warm vibes that everything works out well for you. We all need a happy place — and a hot air balloon would definitely be mine.

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  7. Deep breath…think about healthy choices…take care…but wat do I know…lol…I try to be green and organic but…growing older bites big time!

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    • Quite true, Patty. This has definitely been a wake-up call to make some healthier choices, although I never thought I was all that bad. And yet . . .

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  8. Loved the post but I disagree with one thing–growing up. Here’s why:
    – up until the end of your teens you mostly do what others expected of you (now, THAT was not much fun)
    – during the twenties you begin to get some autonomy, but you also get the bills. The pay is not always enough. Better but not ideal.
    – during the thirties you got pretty much as much autonomy as you ever will have and the pay gets better but the number of responsibilities also rose. Still better.
    – during the forties the level of pay can increase but the responsibilities may not. Traction!
    – during the fifties the level of pay can still increase and the responsibilities may or may not. More traction! Besides–you stop worrying about what others think.
    – as for the sixties…who knows!
    As for health, it’s not that bad. With age also comes stubbornness. Old timers often bounce back quicker than the youngsters…and complain less about it :>)
    Oh, and with age comes wisdom…sometimes :>)

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  11. I hope your health issues are getting resolved.

    The balloon ride sounds lovely. Unfortunately my husband is deathly afraid of heights and I just don’t think it’s an experience I’d want to share with someone other than him.

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