Mason Arik: The friendships we make along the way..

Thursday, February 3, 2011

The friendships we make along the way..

The mailman delivered a tub full of smiles today!

From postcards, home made cards, from cards all around to Mason's very own street sign!!

Thanks Girl scouts, Churches, Friends, Family, We've tried to picture all the LOVE!! Can you believe it? We are down to only 2 more states; Wyoming and Vermont!! We got our first Delaware card today. Truly amazing, and we have 10 more days until Valentines Day!!
Mason received an Oklahoma Baseball cap from the OSU Athletic Dept. His very own Air Force coin from his friend Jason's cousin. A green MSU (Michigan State) foam hand! A wallet, shirt, and Batman band aids from Denmark. A post card from Romania, Italy, Australia and one from our former neighbors in Switzerland. A card to Always remember God holds "You" in the palm of his Hands. The cards, messages, and prayers from all over bring unbelievable smiles. Ally loves watching for stickers as Mason loves to share in all the joy. Another 62 pieces of mail today. Can you find your card below? These are just a few from today. There's Love in the Air, Love still makes the world go round.
Mason had a good day, he is starting a new antibiotic, we found out his tummy pains were from the first antibiotic. Thankful for no more tummy pain, but Mason is tiring more quickly in the evenings. But every night before he falls asleep the last thing he remembers is the smiles you've sent. Thank you everyone.
I'll end with a card greeting from today, Life's Truest Happiness is Found in Friendships we make along the way.

7 comments:

Amy said...: So glad that Mason's tummy aches may be history...and thanks for sharing your latest bounty of Valentines! I'm still amazed by the amounts of them and all the places they are coming from and all the gifts, too! Thanks for sharing! ♥; February 3, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Shadow said...: Hi, I was just told about Mason and I am now making him a card from Australia. I hope it gets there before Valentines.
Don't ever give up. I have a friend with the same cancer who is now 27. I also have a nephew who at 14 was given a 2% chance of making it. He is now 32, married with twin boys and the only survivor in the world of his type and stage of cancer. Sending prayers for you all.; February 4, 2011 at 1:15 AM
Svetlana said...: Reading the post from Shadow put a smile on my face and hope in my heart for you to be able to spend many more years with Mason. Hope for Mason to have his own family and to grow old with his own children.; February 4, 2011 at 4:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Look at all of those postcards on the wall. Your front room must have the most incredible feel to it with constant reminders of all the hugs, love and prayers surrounding your family. One incredible young man bringing the best out of all these people. God is good and miracles are a possibility! Keep the optimism alive. Today I am glad for new meds.; February 4, 2011 at 5:53 PM
Anonymous said...: I see my Alcatraz postcard! I'm glad it got there so fast!

My mom lives in Vermont. I'll see if she can send a Valentine or postcard when she's done digging out from under all the snow!

- JTMD in California; February 4, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Anonymous said...: I, too, was so happy when I read Shadow's comment! We'll all just keep praying . . . and Mason, I hope you can just keep smiling . . . you have a great smile! I put my valentine in the mailbox this evening . . . and my friend that I contacted in Vermont said she was getting one out to you as well. Just two more states to go . . . that's wonderful! Happy to hear that the tummy pains have subsided and that their cause was discovered . Thank you for keeping us all "updated" and know that our prayers and love are with you and your family! Anne; February 4, 2011 at 8:28 PM
Christy said...: aww sweety you hang in there. I've got some cards coming to your from Illinois!!!!! I know you may already have that state but wanted you to have them anyway.

God Bless you all and we'll be praying.

Christy
http://everdaylittlethings.blogspot.com/; February 4, 2011 at 10:52 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)