Mason Arik: Magic was in the air...

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Magic was in the air...

Mason had a wonderful time at last night's lighting ceremony. It was truly awe-inspiring, I could feel the magic in the air as the lights came on. We were overwhelmed around 100 plus friends and family stopped by to celebrate one of our favorite holiday traditions. I tried to capture the moment, but have been unsuccessful with night photos. (Above Mason's ready to light the night) We are also very touched that Mason and Maverick raised $200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. They will be continuing to collect over the holiday season, for anyone that would like to contribute and receive a key chain.

Today marks my 40th birthday, and my voice has vanished (cold or allergies); but I can honestly say this has been the most cherished birthday. My friends and family have truly gone above and beyond to make this birthday the BEST. I have been truly blessed; a new washer and dryer thanks to a group of friends at an early birthday celebration. A Thanksgiving meal; and a dinner on my birthday; gift cards; the list goes on. And I can't forget to mention my latest surprise, a day of beauty courtesy of Michael Shae's Day Spa, new outfit, a date with Eddie, an evening at Aloft hotel; all thanks to a wonderful friend for entering a contest in my honor. All of this goes beyond the definition of friendship, we have a big FAMILY. We LOVE you all.

The greatest gift of all this birthday, "Love." Mason gave me a necklace with the word; MOM. The necklace is beautiful, but my greatest most treasured gift of all, my purpose in life- The day I became a Mom. Thank you Mason, Maverick and Ally. Your birthday is the reason for who I am today.

2 comments:

Amy said...: Andria, I'm so happy for you for your happiest of birthday celebrations. I, too, feel like being a mom is the best job I could ever have. Last night WAS magical when the lights came on; I was teary eyed. Thanks for having such a special family tradition and including me!; November 27, 2010 at 4:51 PM
Tiffany said...: Hi! Can you post where we can donate for Make A Wish foundation? Also, can you post things friends of friends can do for you as needed? You are all on our prayer list but we'd like to help more where we can! You just never know where that "just the right thing" might come from next! :) so glad your holiday wasn't crowded with stress!; November 28, 2010 at 11:20 PM

Seasons of Wishes

About Mason Arik

To continue Mason's dream and his memory, we dedicate this blog to him. He has been diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma (Brain Tumor) (04/22/10). He courageously battled his cancer for 11 1/2 months. On March 29th, 2011, it was snowing in Heaven. He is and will be missed forever. We will continue to write and share the strength and courage that Mason has taught us as well as the many other lives he has touched, near and far. Links are listed below to provide additional information regarding DIPG.

Discovery of Tumor-Dx April 22, 2010

Beginning in March of 2010, Mason complained of severe headaches, mostly at night. Then the headaches went from 2-3 times a month (over a 2 month period) to every night and more severe, by the 3rd night I contacted his pediatrician. I was told to give him Excedrin Migraine.

But by the next day we were walking to school and he had double vision- Thanks to the school nurse, we scheduled an appointment that day with Sabates eye care. After his eye was dilated they noticed his eyes were shifting. An immediate MRI was scheduled.

After the most agonizing MRI, we went home awaiting the results. That's when we were told it was a tumor (pontine glioma) We waited to visit the doctor before researching the internet. So imagine the shock to hear this is the worst locations to find a tumor, inside the brain stem. (inoperable and unfortunately very serious)