Balloon Lady

Balloon Lady & the Dark Cloud

Balloons were Dalaina’s thing. Fittingly so, because she was a 36-year-running party, the embodiment of a good time. If you know the family from Ferndale or West Farms then you know first-hand, if Dalaina wasn't responsible for the party all together, then she was still the life of it. That said, we all can attest to the fact that things that happen during a party aren't always fun and games. 

Dalaina battled Borderline Personality Disorder most of her life. At times, her condition made her a very trying and intense person, to say the least. Because we were none the wiser, bad energy was often reciprocated, leading to some pretty traumatic situations over the years. With her passing, I found solace in the fact that the last thing I told her is that I loved her. I only wish I’d let her know that I understand and, furthermore, I apologize.

Because so little emphasis is placed on the importance of mental health and wellness in Black & Brown communities, we’re often oblivious to our own mental ailments, later for being able to recognize and identify with what our loved ones may be struggling through. This matter is worsened by our tendency to frown upon those aware enough to seek professional help, rather than applauding and encouraging them. For ourselves, and for one another, we have to do better than just labeling our people crazy. Instead, become informed, learn to empathize, and be of assistance.

Dalaina loved her children and did as well by them as she could manage. Dalaina was beautiful and fearless. Creative and talented. Fun-loving and free-spirited. 

Dalaina was flawed. 

What she was not is crazy.