Nine day ago I shared my traumatic experience with the happy face balloon wandering around our house. That was a difficult time. But we gradually weathered the fears that the balloon might be a conduit for malevolent forces.
Since then we have come to accept “Nathan” as one of the family. He quietly wanders about the house minding his own business. Nathan doesn’t need to eat or go for walks or go to the bathroom. He’s a laidback soul.
Getting to know Nathan has reminded me not to judge people prematurely and to keep an open mind.
Nathan has also taught me to smile at every situation. Since I have adopted Nathan’s ways I have become a serene, and all-around more pleasant person.
Just today I walked into a bedroom and came upon Nathan checking himself out in the mirror. I just couldn’t resist snapping a pic. As Nathan reminds us, love of others emerges in a complex symbiotic relationship with love of self. As Jesus said, love your neighbor as yourself.
Thanks Nathan. You’re a good balloon, and I’m glad I didn’t pop you.
(In case you’re wondering why we named him Nathan, it’s because of the resemblance he bears to Nathan L., a buddy from my university days. Except that Nathan L. didn’t have a round face … or yellow skin … and he didn’t smile much.)
