Me with Keith Haring's Father

For the last 9 years I have volunteered as a balloon handler in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  It has become an annual tradition that I share with my brother-in-law and best friend Brian.  We gladly get up at 4am to drive into Manhattan with 2 other good friends and spend the morning smiling and waving to the more than 3 million people that line the parade route.

This year we were assigned to a new balloon created in the memory of graffiti artist Keith Haring who passed away in 1990.  I really did not know much about him prior to the parade, but a quick browse of the web revealed many images I was very familiar with.  For me, the most recognizable was the cover art for “A Very Special Christmas”.

When we arrived at the balloon, I was surprised to learn that Keith’s family had been invited to join us as balloon handlers.  It was a real pleasure to meet Keith’s father, sisters, nieces and nephew.  They said that it was one of Keith’s dreams to be in the Macy’s Parade and they were thrilled to be there.  Having them with us made an already wonderful day even more special.

Whenever you volunteer, I think you always get more back than you give.  Do you agree?