Make sure yo have Hankies

//http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkglYMYbyeo

to be fair that didnt bring a tear to my eye but i well up when i see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PybnrR4p2A

I'm not sure I would like a big cat getting that boisterous around me

Billy - great video it says so much - more power to your pump elbow

I agree, the second one does it for me

The first did it for me!!!

Billy,
        I take my balloon hat off to you my friend, keep up the great work that you do. Your video was moving and humbling at the same time, you have inspired me to try to help people less fortunate than ourselves.

                     Ta Ta For The Noo

The second video - well, what can I say? Billy Wiz is just so generous, and the vid is very very touching. But, the situation that caused this heartbreak was caused by man's evil. I can't say any other word. The feeling here was sad, sad.

The first video really did it for me though. The love shown by a wild animal for one of our species makes me think that perhaps there is hope for the human race after all. To save the lion and raise him, and then let him go to his true life - that was great. To be remembered later with joy and love - that was fabulous. The overall feeling was joyful.

If either of these vids inspires us to do good for man or beast, then they've done their job.

Cheers,
Kath 8-)

I'd have to say the second clip was the most touching of the two U-tube films, but I do make more animals then humans each week, so it's difficult to say where I stand.
In some ways, I believe we balloon fanatics help people in more ways then one, not just comforting the sick, uplifting the disheartened, but even bringing awareness to all that is good via our designs, as no doubt when you make an animal, well, your reminding people of the nice things in life.
I just wonder with that first clip if those guys ever get a "lie in" on Sunday? Hehe.
As I work with children with cancer and so forth in my Dr Clown program, I know the feeling well that "Billy" experienced. In such surroundings you just got to make sure you're a soft new pliable, freshly blown up 260q, ready to be twisted and turned, pinched, rolled through, and maybe even popped in the artist's hands, so happiness has the chance to break through.

The first video is amazing, I watched it quite a few times, then showed Jill (my wife) and we ended up watching it again a few more times. Imagine how those guys must have felt when they first saw him and to receive that response . . .  Brilliant.

With regards to my own video, I still get upset every time I watch it. It always brings back all the thoughts of being there at the time.

I was talking to a friend yesterday who watched it, she was asking how I managed to 'switch off' while in front of the kids in hospitals etc. I couldn't give an answer, I don't know how I manage it, although I know when I get back to my hotel room or where ever I'm staying, the reality then starts to sink in and often, VERY often I broke down in tears.

If anyone here has done this kind of work, (and I know quite a few of you have) you'll understand what I'm saying. You'll understand what I'm talking about and how you 'somehow' manage to put these children's problems temporarily to the back of your mind.

The power of just a few balloons can creat some amazing smiles. If you haven't done it before, give your local hospital a call and ask if you can go along and makes some smiles for those kids. Most hospitals will jump at the chance and welcome you, and for you . . . . . . . . . . . well I won't say how good you'll feel, just come back on here and tell us for your self.

Graeme (Billy Wiz)

Graeme - about nine months ago the only child of a new friend of mine - a four year old boy - was in the process of dying in the hospital from massive burns. He lingered for six weeks, and the doctors and the boy fought it valiantly, and they thought at times they could save him - but eventually massive infection set in, and that was the end.

Well, a week before he died, I sent him a bunch of balloon animals I had made (only family was allowed to visit in person) and they arranged them all over him and his bed before he woke up. Apparently the look of wonder in his eyes when he woke was worth seeing. The balloons were hung up around the room, and every time he woke for his last week, his eyes went first to his parents, and then looked for the balloons.

When I went to the funeral, I again took along balloons and arranged them in front of the coffin, alongside the bouquets of flowers. This boy was autistic, and had never spoken, but the balloons got through to him.

So, that opened my eyes to the power of balloons with children.

Cheers,
Kath 8-)

WOW, that is an amazing story Kath. I bet you so wish you could have seen the expression on his face, especially the first time he saw them all.

Both these videos were fantastic and yes I teared up at the first but was sobbing after watching the second.  In my "real job" I am a nurse (right now in Labor and Delivery) and I must say that I applaud you for going the extra mile for those children.  

Robyn

Thank you for your comments Robyn, although I think you have one of the hardest jobs in the world, I take my hat of to you. Well done.

Do you ever take your balloons to work as well?

Do you ever take your balloons to work as well?[/quote]

Sometimes,  I have been known to take a Stork to a "special" long term patient for a baby shower or a decoration for some kind of party for the nurses.  It is hard to do other things because of either latex allergies or one of my fellow nurses being terrified of clowns and balloons.  SIGH.