October 16, 2009 8:06 AM
Colorado balloon boy Falcon Heene says it was "for show"
What about you?
I was literally clutching my belly and praying for this child's safety for an hour. Imagining his terror and that of his parents. Groaning as the balloon narrowly missed the power lines. Thanking God for the graceful landing from which we would hopefully see him emerge alive.
Then back on the rollercoaster as we realized he must have fallen out before the cameras began following the balloon.
Then relief that he was found hiding in the family's attic.
Now it appears that this whole fiasco - which seized the nation and mobilized hundreds of emergency workers - was a hoax by a very strange family with a documented history of contempt for others.
Yesterday when I reported that Falcon Heene was found safe, a friend commented that I sounded bitter and asked if I was stressed. I replied that I never felt better in my life, but that I smelled a rat.
On this one, the gut-reaction skeptics were right.
You can learn more about what makes the family tick by their interaction with others on Wife Swap:
Posted in Entertainment | Permalink
Comments
I *knew* it was that family the second I saw something about "storm chasers".
Ugh. I did not like the dad at all from the little I saw of that WS episode. Something about him is just "off". :(
Posted by: Margaret | October 16, 2009 8:56 AM
I've got mixed emotions on all of it. When I saw the breaking news, I was horrified but still very skeptical. Something about it made me think something wasn't right about all of it. I'm thankful that he was found safe and sound, so I will gladly admit that. However another part of me thinks that if this family truly does seek the thrill, joy and attention of various risky sports and activities.. maybe they got bored and hatched this plan. Adrenaline junkies do it all the time with seeking new and exciting adventures. What's sick is they got the children involved.
Posted by: Dirtdartwife | October 16, 2009 9:17 AM
I was relieved when I found out the boy was safe, but I felt something odd when I heard "this family is used to the spotlight after being in wife swap". Something felt out of place.
Glad everyone is ok.....but this video is disturbing in so many ways.
I've been thinking, what if they did that so they could promote their "business" and "inventions?
You know what momma.....I'm glad you never participated in that show. Just the thought of the possibility of you being in the house of that guy for two weeks, and him yelling at you like he did the other woman makes my cringe....or that lady yelling at dear Trip and your sweet boys...no way.
Everything happens for a reason.
Posted by: LadyLovas | October 16, 2009 10:03 AM
There's 8.5 minutes I'll never get back again! I'm not a fan of the Wife Swap show at all and watching the video reminded me of why.
If this was a stunt to drum up business, well good luck with that now. I can't think anyone is going to want to get involved with such an off-kilter person as Mr. Heene.
Glad the boy is safe...but I'm left to wonder if how he (and his brothers) are being raised isn't a little dangerous.
Posted by: kelly | October 16, 2009 11:50 AM
I don't think this was planned, Barbara. I listened to the father this morning on one of the programs and I believe him. He was still too distraught. Not that he's not capable of pulling a stunt but I don't think he did this one.
Apparently the authorities believe him, too. They have forensic experts who watch body language for any deception. They believe that this was no hoax.
Here's the link: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=125198&catid=339
Posted by: Sue from Buffalo | October 16, 2009 12:19 PM
The boy was in the balloon,
They feared he'd fly to the moon,
In a box he was found,
Never leaving the ground,
A reality show we'll soon see.
nothingbutlimericks.blogspot.com
Posted by: Randy | October 16, 2009 1:11 PM
When I first saw the story, I too stopped in my tracks. I have a six year old boy. I prayed fervently for the safety of the boy, for peace for the mother, for success for the rescuers. Well, I got an answer to my prayers. The little boy was indeed safe. That is enough for me.
If it was a hoax, I fell very sorry for this family, that they feel it is necessary to go to such lengths to get attention, when all they need to do is turn to Jesus and see His arms wide open for them, but I am still grateful for that moment when it was clear the little boy wasn't inside the balloon. I think it made me hug my DS
a little tighter last night. The best thing in this case would be for the world to move on. No more publicity if it was in fact a hoax, and peace and healing for a family in need if it was not.
Posted by: Danielle Murdock | October 16, 2009 1:50 PM
My goodness...I don't even know what to say!
Posted by: Bryanne | October 16, 2009 3:50 PM
This story is truly crazy to me.
Posted by: Chrystal K. | October 16, 2009 5:24 PM
Looks like they took off the Wife Swap video.
Posted by: dorothy | October 17, 2009 12:32 PM
Strangely, the very moment I heard on the radio about the boy supposedly in the homemade balloon, I immediately thought that it was the family trying to get attention somehow. Odd, I know. I'm the mom of a six year old boy, too, so I felt almost ashamed that this was my reaction, but something just felt wrong about it right away.
Posted by: Marian | October 17, 2009 5:03 PM
