The evening breeze was cool and expected, reminding everyone the end of September would soon draw to a close. Although it was windy, the party was held outside. It was a combination of party of sorts – to commemorate achievements and sorrow in a way only this family can do.
It was a high school diploma graduation party for Cody Cronin, as well as a posthumous 21st birthday party for his elder brother Kyle, who died in a car accident at age 17. It was also a setting for the annual balloon release the Cronin family provides every year, acknowledging his memory.
When asked why he combined his graduation party with the balloon release, Cody was reverent and modest. “My mom thought of it first, and asked if I wanted to do it this way. Both my parents told me it would be ok if I wanted a party for just me, that they would respect that. I thought about it and realized I wanted to share this with my brother. So it was cool.”
Guests came from as far as Syracuse to be part of the festivities, for this party was truly a celebration of friendship and family. Jessica Cartner met Kyle when she was 14 years old, and although they didn’t see each other that often, they spoke on the phone almost every day. “He was like an older brother to me; I could tell him anything.”
She carefully placed the cake she baked especially for him among the black, green & yellow Rasta themed decorations, Kyle’s favorite colors. She bowed her head for a moment as if in prayer, then stepped back to look at the inscription. “The years may fade, but memories never die.”
Kathy & Curt Cronin brought out a variety of brightly colored helium balloons, and pointed to magic markers spread out on the table. “Use these markers to write your messages to Heaven” she instructed, but most of the participants already knew what to do. Friends from childhood of both boys were already busy writing and when they were finished gathered to the spot in the yard where they had gathered for the last three years.
Cody wants his balloon to stand out amongst the others, so Kyle will recognize his first. It is always black.
There was no fancy speech and no prayer before hand. This was something they knew how to do without fanfare. As if on cue, all were silent and raised their eyes to the sky. The sun was beginning to set, setting the reverent tone for heartfelt memories and silent tears.
As they have done before, Kathy and Curt stood side by side, looked at everyone for a moment, thanked them for coming, and said “Happy Birthday Kyle – we love you.”
The balloons were released, and all silently watched as they traveled westward. The colorful bunches climbed higher and higher and everyone stayed until they could no longer be seen. Some remarked the balloons came together to form a vision of a buttefly, the black balloon leading the way.
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