A retired grandfather who loves children, needed to earn a little extra money for he and his wife to make ends meet. He decided to fill balloons with helium and stand on the street corner near a play ground at the park and offer the colored balloons for sale. At the same time he could enjoy the laughter and joy of the children.  Mothers and fathers, or other grandparents, came by with their children or grandchildren and stopped to buy a balloon or two then go happily on their way. Sometimes the people would stop and talk awhile with the old man. This worked out very well.  One day the balloon sales were not going very well because there were not many people in the park. The grandfather decided to let a few of the balloons fly away so that people around would see them and know he was there. This generally increased his business and sales.

The grandfather tenderly bent down, put his arm around the little lad, and said, "Of course it would fly up and away like the others! It's what's on the inside that counts, not the color of the outside." The old grandfather proceeded to explain to the young boy what helium was and how it worked. He shared with him many wonderful thoughts and stories. They talked and talked until it was time to go home. 

Both the grandfather and the boy parted happier that day than when they had originally come. They each had a new friend and were lifted themselves to new heights and new understandings. As the boy walked home he carried a beautiful bouquet of balloons that he handed out to others, one by one, as well as taking a few home for himself. The grandfather had wonderful memories of the day to share with his wife. 

Remember, it is not the color of our skin, or how we look on the outside that is important, but what our hearts and minds believe and respond to on the inside!