On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, the Morrison Junior High School 8th grade Volleyball team devised a plan, to honor the critically ill mother of their teammate, Abby Huizenga. They wanted to hold a balloon launch the next day. Thursday, August 25, was Shannon Huizenga’s 42nd birthday.
Helium-filled balloons of blue and lime green would be ordered from Lacy’s Amazing Vase Too, Morrison, IL. Those are the “Team Shannon” t-shirt colors, worn by so many. The launch would occur between 7th and 8th grade Volleyball home games, at 300 Academic Drive, Morrison.
Principal Joe Robbins agreed, adding, “Shannon’s daughters[, Katelyn Barsema, and Abby and Brooke Huizenga,] want to be here.” Word began to spread. Nearly 10,000 saw the notice on thecity1.com Facebook page alone, as people shared the announcement.
On Thursday afternoon, a crowd of well-wishers of all ages gathered outside the school.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., 7th and 8th grade and Morrison High School Volleyball teams gathered in the office to choose a balloon. Abby Houzenga #2, front row, left, carried three, shiny, mylar, “Happy Birthday” balloons, representing the daughters.
Erie, IL, Volleyball players participated in the short tribute in the parking lot. Robbins asked for a moment of silence to remember Shannon; he gave a brief, emotional speech. He then started the crowd singing “Happy Birthday.” Some choked up on the happy tune.
Forty-five balloons were then released. They drifted silently into the sky, with the daughters’ balloons–appropriately–rising last.
