Seeing what I thought was an old carrier bag by the side of the road, I sighed and tutted to myself, berating the litter louts of the world. I made my way over to it with the intention of picking it up and disposing of it like the responsible citizen that of course I am.

As I approached and the light changed, the ‘litter’ glistened and shone like sequins on a gown. Although still technically ‘litter’ it seemed to change my mood and bending down I realised it was a helium balloon that had long since run out of propulsion.

The picture and colours on its shining surface used a variety of purple shades to depict and illustrate that the message was one of love to ‘The Best Grandma In The World’. I smiled to myself a secret smile, well that couldn’t be right because my grandchildren tell me I am the best grandma in the world!

How careless of this much loved Nanna to have let go of this treasure celebration of her status. I tried to imagine the consternation of that event and the disappointed little faces as Granny’s trophy sailed away to be transported and finally dumped in the grime of suburbia.

What to do with it? Well it was lost from that particular celebration. I wondered if it had been a high numbered birthday, 80 years or even 90 years. Maybe the poor old girl didn’t even know the ballon had been presented to her, let alone that she’d let go of it. 

I rolled my eyes and giggled as I pictured the adults, probably having to console the little grandchildren while blaming each other for not tying it to Granny’s wheelchair.

As I picked up the balloon to dispose of it, a small very damp card flopped sadly on the balloon ribbon and my smile faded away as I read:

“Goodbye darling Nanna, we loved you with all our hearts…RIP”