It's SNOWING in Heaven

I am running through the fields with strawberries so red, as snow falls on my head. Loved ones embrace, the tigers and I are having a race. Thank you Jesus, I am ME once more, rejoice my friends; Heaven opened the door.. Remember me, live, love, laugh... I AM FREE!!
We love YOU!!!

Monday

Good Morning Monday. It's been a difficult weekend; it is unbelievable how much has changed. Mason continues to need oxygen 24/7 and we now have the help of continuous care. Although I know it must seem strange to Mason. As this all came so sudden and I am doing my best to respect his privacy. He now only verbalizes with a head shake or nod. He can look me in the eye and I know. His appetite has decreased tremendously, not sure how hungry he is or if it's because he no longer can chew. We are weaning the steroids. As pudding and jello are consumed with small swallows. Sleep consumes his day as morphine helps with shortness of breath. Our hearts are broken, but we are at peace knowing Mason will be Healed. Our God Heals. Mason knows this too. Mason enjoys reading the beautiful book titled, There's a Party in Heaven. We feel your continued prayers. Mason is pain free; although he struggles with the immediate decline of his body. He is a true hero; fighting and holding true to his character. Santa, yes Santa stopped by on Sunday as the snow fell from the sky...thank you friends and angels for this moment.

"God blesses you who weep now, for the time will come when you will laugh with joy"

Luke 6:21 ( 6/21 )

Snowflakes and prayers

Thank you for keeping Mason and our family in your prayers. Mason's strength returned some Friday. He is a true warrior, fighting to keep his head held high. Oxygen continues to be a constant need. Today, it is hard to see the struggle in his eyes. Our love goes to everyone. Thank you for all the support; we feel the love surrounding us. Those snowflakes falling today reminding us of God's presence.

Numb

Within an instant everything can change. The sweet picture above from this morning as Mason's cat, Oreo clings to Mason's bedside. For lunch today Mason had a cheeseburger, but just like that a change. Luckily, the nurse was here to help with the sudden need for oxygen. Mason has been grunting; which is a sign of needing oxygen. This evening a new frustration, Mason could not hold up his head. Thankfully we had a neck pillow to help keep it from wobbling. Then I had to share with him that mom and dad will now have to feed him; soft foods none the less. The world has turned NUMB. Tonight oxygen's running full blast as each breath continues to be a struggle. And now a rare occurence both cats lie close to Mason's side; something that just does not happen. God's love near as I know He hears our cry.

One pillow

The agony, tears and frustrations. It's like having your hands tied. Ally wanting to run to Mason's rescue, "Maybe we should call the police, "Mom, call the doctor", "Is Mason o.k.?" "Mason what's wrong?" It's a whirl wind. We treasure laughter as pain tries to devour us. With every laugh; time stands still; it zaps us and energizes the moment. A simple laugh or that curvature of a smile.. getting us through..

Mason was able to find some comfort by propping a pillow on his side. Something so simple. One pillow making a difference.

The mail brought smiles again today, Mason received letters and cards from Martin Anderson Elementary in Wichita, KS and some special cards from Easton, KS. And a fun box filled with Easter eggs from Utah. The mailbox still continues to bring inspiration and strength; our gratitude to YOU!!
Finally a joke to end our day as Mason is already fast asleep... How do you wake up Lady Gaga?

You poke her face.

Bright Stars..

Day by day... Yesterday tested all of us. I almost misspelled, it as " Testerday." So many changes day by day. Feeling helpless; if only there was more I could do. Mason waited until Maverick arrived home to play the anticipated Star Wars lego game. He played for quite some time, but what a difference. Oxygen was a necessity last night and sleep came early again. Each month brings new challenges, now each day. Like the picture above taken only 2 months ago; we hold on to every little smile. Feeling blessed with the love and support that continues to guide us. A Willow Tree angel arrived in the mail yesterday, an angel named Bright Star; holding a star. No matter the struggles in our lives, we all have those bright stars in the night sky. Thanks to all the angels/stars in our lives. You illuminate our hearts.

Lego Star Wars DAY!!

Good Morning! A rare occurrence last night, everyone slept. Mason did wake up before 5 a.m. requesting watermelon. But a pain free night!! Still yawning, Mason loves Oreo's company this morning. I know why Mason is awake. It's MARCH 22!!! Since December, he has anticipated the release of Lego Star Wars Clone Wars III video game. Guess who is getting the game today?
I pray he can maneuver the remote.

Mason loved the gifts from Vacaville High School Dance/Drill team and friends. All the way from California. It was a perfect end to Maverick's spring break. Thanks to everyone for sending well wishes and all the smiles. Below is a picture with Mason and his new friend Yoda. Something tells me Mason is not going back to sleep as he crunches on his cinnamon Life cereal this morning. As the Star Wars theme song plays in his head.

Yesterday, there was discomfort all day. I struggled as Mason was frustrated most of the day. There were times when I moved him and he did not move an inch. All he wants is to sit up straight. But his right side has him leaning and wobbly. I have never felt so weak. But today is a new day, feeling refreshed until.. Thank you for all the prayers.

As Ally fell asleep last night she smiled at me, " Is Mason going to heaven?" "God has a magic wand and Mason won't be sick" .

God's Embrace

Good Morning. My heart yet again mixed with emotions. Sure we had some smiles this weekend. On Saturday, Mason desperately needed to break free of the house; as he has been limited to the living room. The force led him straight to the Star Wars Lego section of Target. Arriving home, it was a different story as the Lego pieces became harder to piece together, and dreary eyes closed.
Ally has talked about her birthday for months now, we will finally celebrate this upcoming weekend. If you ask; she is turning 10. Her favorite number. Somehow, I think it's her way of celebrating Mason's too. After all, Mason would not let her third birthday be forgotten. Her fourth birthday lands on Easter this year, due to her persistence, we find reason to celebrate early. My children always teaching me lessons. Now more than ever,I have learned to listen more. Maverick refusing to let HOPE leave our hearts.
NOW, Mason you are teaching me yet another lesson, a hard one. BUT, We are not alone. SO, We continue another day with God's embrace.

Monday is here; I search for inner strength as Mason's body weakens. He is becoming harder to lift. I, his mother just want to provide comfort. His knee pain woke us all at 4 am this morning. Trying to understand his moans and groans, as words become harder to say. Kiwi and strawberries this morning bring a smile.
Thankful, my mom is here each day, thankful for friends and family close to our hearts never leaving our journey, and more importantly feeling God's embrace.

Friday

Just thought I'd share the heartwarming story from Channel 9 of the balloon release. We are enjoying the start of our weekend.
http://www.kmbc.com/video/27232362/detail.html

A Pot of Gold

Thank you everyone for the prayers and balloons. From Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arizona, Texas, Iowa and Oklahoma. It was a wonderful day to fill the sky with love and hope. And thanks to Weston, Mo for the support and dropping by their pot of gold. Mason's smile says it all. Thanks for being a part of his SMILE!! He had a great day and even enjoyed a picnic complete with Shamrock shake. The evening ended with cheeseburgers from 5 Guys, and Maverick discovered a new hobby with Melty Beads. Today's forecast full of sunshine, and dad's home the rest of the week. We are ready for what ever the day may bring, it's a good day to wear green. Celebrate. We already found our pot of gold... YOU!


Phoenix, AZ


Grand Island, NE


Downtown - Kansas City, MO

Filling the sky with Love and Prayer

A beautiful, glorious morning. At 11:00 a.m. today please say a prayer for Mason. A Weston, MO flower shop called wanting to do something special for Mason. The Weston community will send prayers for Mason via green balloons. Unfortunately, Mason can not make the trip. However, we are saying a prayer and releasing our own green balloons the same time here at home. It's amazing how God played a part in this day. Before this even began, Ally secretly released a balloon. Smiling she said, "It's for God." A friend also was organizing a group for prayer; today we meet to share God's love. Filling the sky with love today. Mason's sending a star, as he is always shining; even in the daylight.

Holding on to Courage

Courage-the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, or uncertainty.
The mail has brought honor and courage this past week. This week it started with a letter from Alaska with an inspirational message. "A warrior of great courage" The Overland Park Police Department sent a Challenge Coin for Courage. Yesterday, a coin from the Marines stationed in Iowa and Nebraska. "You are a hero and role model for all"

Courage... Mason facing each new challenge every day. Never complaining or uttering the words, "this is unfair or why me?" Mason, you are my strength , thanks for teaching us about what life is all about. Thanks for teaching us all to hold on to courage.

Thanks to all the law enforcement officers and the armed forces who have served and who are serving our country. Thanks for facing courage everyday.

Courage is being afraid, but going on anyhow- Dan Rather

Good Day...Bad Day

The weekend ended all too soon. We had a fabulous Saturday. We enjoyed spring like weather, and a campfire to end the evening. Around 3 a.m. Sunday Mason woke up with pain in the other leg. Not as severe; but painfully making sleep hard. Mason struggled all day Sunday with comfort. He only got up once to play a computer game. No matter how many times we turn the pillows, comfort is out of reach. Pain has started in his shoulder now too. On a side note, it seems the change in the weather seems to really bother him. We are back and forth between good days and bad. We pray today is a good day. Maverick and Ally are both feeling the pain. Maverick put it into perspective, "Mom, it is not just us with hurt, it is a lot of other people too."

Spring break

Spring break has officially started.

Mason and Maverick played video games. Dad moved the Wii game upstairs as Mason no longer can make it downstairs. Mason even napped for part of the morning. As the sunshine brought thoughts of spring, I actually got a chance to rake the yard. Ally pranced around the yard with her pretend flowers and even hugged her birthday tree, as it is full of buds. We all had a McDonalds picnic outside, complete with Shamrock shake. Mason's leg cramped after a round of Uno Attack. So back inside until dad got home for pizza and a campfire. What a quiet peaceful evening. Overall, Mason had a good day; besides fighting comfort. He has a very hard time sitting up or moving once he is laying down. It hurts when mom lifts him; we search for comfort. To my surprise he is up walking around more without the walker. He is very particular if he sees a Wii remote, it has to be put away. We cherish those smiles and laughs that crept in today. We laughed as Maverick attempted to teach Rex new tricks. Below are pictures from last March. I was curious what we did last spring break. Our main event was a garage sale. There are no pictures from last spring break so I thought I'd share pictures of last March. The weather can change in an instant in Kansas. To my surprise, the picture on the main page of the blog was snapped March 27 of 2010. You never know what tomorrow will bring, cherish each day.
And for Easter eggs; Mason-Green, Maverick-Blue and Ally-Purple.


March 9, 2010 Look at the big smile as Mason asked to be buried in the sand.


March 20 brought SNOW, nothing like sharing a snowball with sister.


March 27, just being a kid...

Focus on today

Good Morning. Mason had an awful and rough day on Tuesday, with very intense pain in the knee. So bad he could not walk. Thankfully by evening the pain had almost vanished and by morning it was gone. My heart and mind have been fighting about what to write. For now Mason is pain free again.
Why the Easter picture? This morning, as Mason wobbled down the hall balancing on my shoulder, he slowly asked, "What are we going to do about the Easter egg hunt this year?" As my heart sank, I just smiled and said we will think of something. Then he came up with having one color his, as we've done in the past. The picture above is last year's treasures; only weeks before we learned about cancer. Today, I focus on today. Focusing on every bit of laughter and the smiles that have been harder to obtain. Last night, Ally whispered, "I want to visit God, I have a boo boo on my leg."

Day 318 -10 months and 12 days

Greetings from the White House; a letter of support arrived from the President today.
Mason was honored.



Mason is ready for St. Patrick's Day! Bring on the luck of the Irish!!


Cards from Russia and Germany


After a fun weekend; another low today. It is a constant roller coaster. My heart is so heavy ; I don't know what to say. Mason's constant hunger, tummy pains, asleep before 8, etc.
Thank you for keeping us all in your thoughts and prayers. Today; full of heart ache.

Zoopendous weekend

A relaxing and fun weekend!! First I'll share some of Saturday's mail, our hearts melting as Valentines still arrive. We've also had some "Purr"fect cards from cats at catster.com.


On Sunday it was a brisk cool day; but the animals at the KC Zoo warmed our hearts. A trip to the KC Zoo brought back some fond memories from many trips to the Memphis Zoo. It was a place to escape while at St. Jude. Even Ally was ready for penguins and fountains; but settled for tigers and a polar bear. Her favorite animal; the flamingos. Mason's forever; the tiger. And Maverick's the zebra.


A smile as we entered the polar bear exhibit


Thumbs up for Coca-Cola and Tigers!!


Ally connected with all the animals


Maverick took this picture of a meerkat; dreaming of the other side.


This is the time where courage and strength kicks in. No one ever thinks about taking their own socks off, being able to pull their own covers up at night, or scooting out of your own bed. And the unknown that lies ahead. The courage and strength; Mason you will always be my hero. Your strength shows everyday as you tackle each new challenge and go above and beyond. You have the strength beyond what any human should ever endure.

Bring on the Weekend

Hello Weekend!! Friday was rough going. My heart can not write. I focus on today. Today we are relaxing at home, after an earlier trip to Dairy Queen. And keeping our fingers crossed for a quiet evening by the firepit tonight. Smores and smiles. Thank you friends and family for adding smiles to our heart.


Mason hung his new tiger friend above his bed; thank you Heather



Postcards from Paris, China and Michigan


And a little luck of the Irish...

Proud

Way to go Maverick!!

A quick morning update. Mason had a much better day on Thursday. Soaking up some rays outside while playing checkers with mom and Don't Wake Daddy with Ally. And Mason attended Maverick's musical. Mason was very proud of his brother; and beamed with pride after Maverick read his lines. So excited that we were there. We are so proud for both boys; Ally even sat quietly enjoying the show.


Straight to the heart

After we arrived home; what a night of Honor. Mason received his flag from Afghanistan. Also a Commander's Coin of Excellence. I have no words. It was the proudest moment. You have given Mason his greatest honor and fulfilled a dream. I just wish we could give each and everyone of our new friends/heroes in Afghanistan the biggest hug ever and thank them in person. So proud of our United States Armed Forces. We are Strong because of YOU!!


As he closed his eyes; Mason held on tight to his greatest honor.

Shamrock Smiles

It is quiet... let me introduce our new friend, the Kiwi from New Zealand. Did you know the Kiwi is a national symbol of New Zealand? We had fun researching facts about this flightless bird. A true friend is always there. That saying means so much to us...thank you all our new and old true friends for being there from around the world to right next door.

I was glad to call it a night; as my heart kept sinking. Maybe it was the fall Mason took yesterday afternoon. Or the fact that I could do nothing right. Mason admitted his anger with me. I made him angry. Last night dad and Maverick left for guitar lessons. Mason and I watched American Idol while Ally served popcorn and lemonade. Mason tossed and turned and fidgeted. I wanted nothing but his comfort and proceeded with too many questions as he replied with "uh" sounds. There were more tears than smiles as he grew more and more frustrated. He closed his eyes for awhile until dad and Maverick returned. Emotional drained, I tried to hold back tears when Maverick returned home and strummed a new song on his guitar. Tomorrow, I mean today is a new day... Mason already has a grocery list for me. Some new cravings and some the same, carrots and ranch dip, Frosted Mini Wheats, Reese's Puffs and Chex Mix. And everyday a Shamrock Shake from McDonalds. Shamrock Smiles! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for keeping us in our prayers. As we end each night with the Lord's Prayer and Ally adding , "I love you God" It is quiet, but every once in a while I hear a little sound from Mason, something new, a new echo of concern. That same sound that woke me, hoping he is dreaming of Shamrock shakes.

Mason woke with a smile as I was typing this at 2:30, we had a pow wow and shared a laugh as we drifted back to dream land. But at 5:13 a.m., Mason woke with a pain in his leg. Apparently his knee is bruised from yesterday's fall? Who knows? He wailed in pain for 15 minutes and now is watching morning cartoons after some Tylenol. My energy is zapped, hoping for rays of sunshine today. Mason talked about going to Maverick's open house tonight at school. We shall see how the day turns...

Amazing

Good Morning. Welcome March. We have an official Valentine count, although there are a few batches of small valentines that did not get included. Thank you everyone for making Mason's February the most special of all. Thanks to schools, churches, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, family, friends, from all over the country and world. Mason received 5, 899 Valentines. That's a HUGE amount of LOVE!!! Thanks for taking the time to brighten our DAY!!! Smiles everyone. Words can not express, Just AMAZING!!!

Holding on

My heart could explode right now. It all arrived from the mail. It's indescribable the warmth it provides. It's like an enormous army that keeps growing; an incredible powerful strength. It's that last smile at the end of the day. It's the smile that everything is o.k. As Mason closed his eyes last night, he whispered, " This blanket is so warm". The smile across his face; straight from the heart. We have "warmth". Our army continues to grow. We could certainly defeat a dragon if we were guarding a castle. But there is a stronger beast knocking on our door. It is why, I struggle each night before I close my eyes; a cure for cancer beating against our door. Along this journey we have met too many angels and others fighting the same or similar battle. Our story reaching so many, so many holding on with us. You are our light in the darkness of the night. And all it takes is something simple. It's the neighbor on the next street over, posting a sign, "Hi Mason" on her back window. Mason can see it out our front window; a simple hello. It's the bundle of mail, regardless how small, it proves someone cares; someone is out there. Thanks for joining our journey and for holding on. Hold on to today and hope for tomorrow. We are not alone. Thanks for taking the time; a simple hello can really make a difference to someone's day. I share with you all the smiles that captured our heart's this evening.

The adorable blanket received from Utah,
Mason snuggled in it's warmth tonight. We thank you in memory of your special angel.


A hug from the Netherlands
How I got your address: Carol-Alexander-Shaun-Holly and Me


Cards from Australia, Ukraine, Germany and Sri Lanka


The Moon Man's Gift from Greenland


More cards from Germany


Greetings from Herbie and Callie Rose


A Valentine hello from Hong Kong


Washington sends a guardian angel


Winne says hello to Rex and family from across 95th St.


Guardian angels from Alaska to Mason and Maverick

And last but not least just a simple, "someone is praying for you in Missouri."