Love Allows Us to Rise Above Fear
Today is my godmother Colleen’s birthday. We lost her last September to pancreatic cancer.
To honor her memory, my family decided to do something she loved—fly.
Married to a fighter pilot for 50 years, Colleen was passionate about flight in all its forms. But it was hot air balloons that truly captured her heart. She volunteered for years at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, and the magic of those floating giants never lost its hold on her. A balloon ride seemed like the perfect tribute.
But we had two serious obstacles to overcome.
Well-meaning friends told my 82-year-old mother she probably shouldn’t go. With two artificial knees, limited mobility, and difficulty standing for long periods, they worried the ride would be too much. She was concerned too.
And then there was my son—nervous at the idea of drifting thousands of feet in the air inside what he described as “a giant picnic basket held up by a fire-blown tarp.” He’s fine on airplanes, but this was a different story.
So we were faced with the question…would these fears prevent them from embracing the unknown and taking a risk?
When the morning of the flight arrived, they were both understandably anxious—but determined. But they didn’t have to face their fears alone. Strangers rallied around my mother to help her climb into the basket.
Once in the air, the views were so breathtaking she barely noticed the standing. She beamed and marveled at the views the entire flight.
My son held my hand for reassurance, but he stayed strong throughout the ride. In a moment of courage and curiosity, the pilot even let him operate the burner. So yes, he can technically say he flew the balloon!
Once we landed safely, he turned to me and said, “That was actually really cool.”
As I floated back down to earth—physically and emotionally—I walked away with three powerful reminders:
Fear wants to hold you down. Love lifts you up. When you're scared, lean on those who believe in you, spread your wings and do the thing that scares you. That's how we rise.
You are never too old to take risks and embrace life. With loving support, even aging bodies can reach great heights.
My village is everything. I carry their love with me—especially the ones no longer here. They lift me, steady me, and help me reach incredible heights. I am truly blessed.
Happy Birthday, Colleen. You showed us that love always finds a way to rise above.
