Many years ago, Shirley and her late husband made a bucket list. It included things like visiting all 50 states – which they did. At 93, the last item on Shirley’s bucket list was to take a hot air balloon ride. Thanks to Browning Masonic Community (BMC), Shirley got her dream and completed the last item on her bucket list. The weather was perfect for a smooth evening flight, as employees and fellow residents joined in celebration.
Shirley was surrounded by four generations of family for her flight, including all of her children. Her son surprised her by flying in from Oklahoma City just to see her take this flight. He was also surprised to learn that he would get to ride in the hot air balloon with his mother. ShaDonna Hadley, Executive Director of BMC, shared, “I’m so proud of the team for making Shirley’s dream come true.”
Shirley, her son, and their pilot departed from the front yard of a resident in the Five Point Acres community and landed at Toledo Executive Airport. Her family and BMC employees chased the balloon across the countryside to be part of the landing.
Hot air balloons get a lot of attention, stopping traffic as well as people in their yards to watch the festivities. Shirley learned just how quiet it is while flying. It’s easy to spot landmarks when you are looking down on them, and Shirley explained some of the sights to her son and the pilot. After the flight, Shirley reflected, “The flight was so smooth and quiet, not bumpy at all. I am so grateful. This was just wonderful!”
The pilot, Brad Burdue of Whitehouse, OH ended the evening by telling the story of the first hot air balloon flights back in the 17th century. It was three animals – a duck, a rooster, and a goat – who took the first flight, not a human. Observers were afraid of the balloons, so when people started flying, they carried a bottle of champagne to give to the landowners upon landing. So began the tradition of a champagne toast at the end of every flight.
As the evening came to a close, Shirley was brought to tears reminiscing on how beautiful the experience was. As you looked around at the family and friends who gathered in celebration, you could see that Shirley was not the only person in tears. There were tears of joy all around because Shirley got to take her ride in a hot air balloon and complete the final item on the bucket list she and her husband began so long ago. Just a few weeks later, Shirley passed away on what would have been her and her husband’s 72nd wedding anniversary. It was an honor to not only know and care for Shirley, but to make it possible for her to complete her bucket list.
Click here to watch a video documenting Shirley's adventure.
