Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 15:09:15 -0700 (PDT)
From: Steven Elliott <lordofballoons@yahoo.com>
Subject: America The Beautiful !
To: balloon@balloonhq.com



Greetings Everyone,

it is a sad day here in America. I turned 39 years
young August 25th. I never thought I would see the
World Trade Center topple to the ground like I did
yesterday. I was watching live telecast when it
happened. I saw replays of the plane crashing into the
tower and I could not believe my eyes. Although, I
live over 1000 miles from New York City, I still felt
the impact of this tragedy, emotionally. My heart goes
out to everyone who lost their loved ones, be it in
the collapse of the building, the crashing of the
planes or however they suffered an ungodly death. The
Pentagon being hit, four hijackings, I did not dare
ask, what can happen next. After reading Uncle Curt's
post, I realized what I could do next. I can't give
blood for health reasons, however I can go brighten a
dark day for a few scared kids. Meghan, my assistant,
the young girl who was victorious in her bout with
cancer, will be teaming up with me. She loves
children, and values human life. This tragedy, has
gotten me more geared up for Balloons Around The
World, than I ever was before! I was feeling really
down earlier today. I read Uncle Curt's post and heard
Ray Charles sing America, The Beautiful, on the radio,
and I know for a fact WE ARE NOT POWERLESS IN ANY FORM
OR FASHION!!! Jez Rose told me, "Together, We can make
a difference!" I know We can! Thank You Jan Lissens, 
for your concern about me, and Thanks to Everyone
Else, who sent their kind words and thoughts to the
USA. Like Ray Charles sang on the radio today,
"America America, God shed his grace on thee! My sons
Steven and John, and Meghan and myself, tend to keep
bringing happiness to kids of all ages. From sea to
shining sea, I love you All! God Bless America! 

So long Everybody,

Steven, Young Steven, Big John, and Meghan