Mason Arik: Zoopendous weekend

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: “Never look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear…Do not look ahead to what MAY happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and worries.” Francis de Sales; March 7, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Anonymous said...: So glad that you all got out and enjoyed the zoo. Mason is an amazing person and your entire family are heroes in my eyes. Hoping for a wonderful week for you guys.

Lucretia; March 7, 2011 at 9:03 AM
Amy said...: I love Maverick's meerkat photo! So glad you all had a fun family day at the zoo. So sorry that Mason is suffering from more stuff related to his cancer. It totally breaks my heart. Thank goodness Mason has such a loving family to take good care of him. ♥; March 7, 2011 at 8:26 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)