Mason Arik: Feeling the LOVE from Mother Nature

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Feeling the LOVE from Mother Nature

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Maverick!! Look how much you've grown! And another snow day tomorrow. Mason and Maverick had fun playing Poptropica and various video games today. Ally pretended she was a Fireside girl all day. ( from Phineas and Ferb) She earned patches all day long and made her own sash, see picture below. She even earned a Kitchen badge for helping mom with the dishes.

Can you believe it? Our mail man arrived on time today, as I yelled out to thank him, he said, "I had to make sure Mason got his valentines" Mason received some really cool ones, but the most special were the ones from Brookridge Elementary; his 4th grade class. The smile on his face lit up. It's been so long since he has been in school but those Valentines really meant a lot!! Ally posed with Mason's Valentine from a 2 year old in Wichita, Kansas. (See below) And we received the most awesome magnet collection from a couple in Lee's Summit, MO who have traveled to 48 of the United States. I would love to be able to buy their ticket to Hawaii. Thanks to Girl Scout Troop 1654 from Leavenworth, KS . It was also fun to receive a card from Honeoye Falls, NY. I want to extend our gratitude to everyone that has sent a Valentine or asked their friends and family to spread the word. This project could not have happened without YOU!! I only wish I could thank each and everyone personally, the smiles are forever cherished. We also got 2 cards from New Hampshire today. It looks like Vermont may be our toughest state? Wyoming and Delaware are also left. It's hard to believe as our US map keeps filling up with heart stickers.

As we celebrated Maverick's birthday today, it once again made me think about how fast time goes. Maverick's already looking forward to moving out and playing for the KC Chiefs.

Mason looks more tired today his cheeks were red all day. It was hard for Mason to hold up his head while eating birthday cake, but instead of complaining, he smiled. He smiled. My insides cried. Everyone else left the table and it was just Mason and I. It was too quiet, I could see Mason fighting inside. All I could do is hug him and this time I could not hold back tears.
It is amazing all the LOVE all around;I am overwhelmed with emotion. As I whispered to Mason if I could only have one wish...

10 comments:

Anonymous said...: I hope Mav had a great birthday...
God Bless you mailman!!!
Ashley and Drew love Poptropica too!!!

Thanks again for all you share with us Andria. Our love for you and your entire family grows with every word you write.

LOVE YOU
Carrie; February 2, 2011 at 4:49 AM
kim said...: Andria I whisper to you, "If I had just one wish...." We are praying for you. Peace, Kim and the Brood; February 2, 2011 at 5:03 PM
Unknown said...: As always, thinking of you. Prayers and hugs for you all. We love you guys so much.; February 2, 2011 at 8:57 PM
Jenny said...: My family & I are praying for you & Mason everyday. We sent 3 cards & some oreos from MN on Monday :) Hopefully you rec'd them or will very soon! Take care ......; February 2, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Just this morning learned about Mason's situation as well as the love you are surrounded with. Please know that my prayers and hugs are with you all as well! When I forwarded the email, I also sent a note/special request to my friend in Vermont, so hopefully . . .; February 3, 2011 at 7:36 AM
Anonymous said...: I dropped in the mail on Tuesday and Wednesday cards and some fun things for Mason and your two little ones. I can't imagine how your entire family is affected by this. I promise you your family has been in my prayers every day. Best wishes and prayers from Pittsburgh PA.; February 3, 2011 at 7:43 AM
Anonymous said...: How does one family go through 151 pieces of mail in 1 evening? Those must be fun filled nights! Remember these special moments. And Laugh. Much love to you.; February 3, 2011 at 7:59 AM
Nelda said...: Just found your blog. Does he need a Hawaii magnet? I do have one although it is not state-shaped. It is rectangular but I can send it. Got it on my trip to Hawaii. neldacnm at yahoo; February 3, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Anonymous said...: Praying; February 3, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Wyoming card is coming; February 3, 2011 at 5:18 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)