Mason Arik: Proud

Friday, March 4, 2011

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.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...: It was so good to see you all at Brookridge.

I caught a glance of Mason's beaming face as Mavrick said his lines. What a GREAT big brother!

Hope today brings another day of joy and sunshine to you and your family.

Lucretia; March 4, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Unknown said...: An incredbile day indeed! Love and prayers to you all! :) It is so neat to see heroes come together, no matter what they are figting for- each may have a different battle, but they all know courage and strength. Here is to the heroes across the nation, around the globe and on 96th Terrace street. Hope today is yet another wonderful day!!; March 4, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Amy said...: What a great day from start to finish! So glad that Mason made it to school and enjoyed the show.; March 4, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Anonymous said...: Yeah Maverick!!!!!; March 4, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Anonymous said...: My husband would like to know if Mason, Mavrick and Alley would like a ride on a harley davidson motorcyle. He and a few frineds would be more then happy to take your kids on ride if it's ok with you.; March 4, 2011 at 11:08 PM
The Kempf Family said...: Thank you for the motorcycle ride offer. Their Uncle Ted has a Harley and Great Grandpa even. So I am so glad they had the experience to ride this summer. Maybe someday we can organize a ride to help cure DIPG or childhood cancer? Thanks so much. "Ride to Live, Live to Ride" Nothing like the sound of a Harley.; March 5, 2011 at 8:03 AM

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)