Duncan man sends balloons up in honor of late wife's birthday

Tamara Gregor, The Duncan Banner, Okla.
·2 min read

Dec. 31—What goes up, must come down rings true for one local Duncan man who sent a balloon bouquet up into the air, only to discover it landed over 900 miles away in Ohio.

Gerald Williams sent up 18 balloons to pay tribute to his wife of 18 years, and in turn, the balloons were located at Mohawk Dam in Warsaw, Ohio.

After discovering the balloon bunch, Mohawk Dam sent back a package to Williams with a card of thanks from the family.

Williams said his wife passed away this year on Jan. 28, 2022, just four days after his birthday and he wanted to do something to honor her first birthday that came up by sending a card addressed to Heaven.

Prior to sending up the bouquet, Williams attached the birthday card to his balloons with adoration to his late wife by wishing her a happy birthday.

Williams said his card talked about how the happiest day of his life was when he asked Deena to marry him and how he has always loved her.

"We had 17 years and 28 days together," he said. "I asked whoever found it if they'd return the card — I'd appreciate it. They sent the card back."

According to Williams, to drive to this part of Ohio it would be over 1,060 miles.

Williams said the balloons took nearly a month to get to its landing spot at Mohawk Dam.

"It came back around December and I just kind of considered that the best Christmas present I could have ever got," he said.

Williams said those who ran the Mohawk Dam signed the card "The Mohawk Dam Family" upon return.

The letter from the Mohawk Dam Family talked about how grateful they are to be a part of this story.

"Gerald, your card for your dear wife traveled almost 900 miles," the letter states. "It was found at Mohawk Dam in Ohio. We were so touched by the sentiment and love you felt for your wife. I'm sorry your time together was cut short by her departure. I hope your time remaining is as fulfilled as your time together. Thank you for letting us be a part of your love story. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Mohawk Dam Family."

Williams said he married his wife, Deena, in 2004 and they were married for nearly 18 years.

"She did everything for me," he said.

Williams said he did this to honor his wife, never thinking he would hear back from it.

"It's just a tribute to my wife," he said.