Mason Arik: Back to School

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Back to School

Yesterday was the first day of school. It was a hard "first" for us, as we all remember how much Mason loved school. Go ahead scroll down and look at the picture of Mason with Rex, that was the first day of school last year. He loved school. The above picture is Mason's first day of kindergarten, there was nothing holding him back. He was like Superman, full speed ahead!! Just ahead the crosswalk where Mason, a third grader, stopped and told me, "Mom I have double vision" Upon explanation he said, "I can see 2 stop signs." The same crosswalk, we crossed and headed home after visiting the school nurse.

Yesterday as we headed to school, I tagged along with Maverick for the first day. Rain fell from the sky, it felt refreshing on our heads, and the dark skies seemed to match our moods. There was a cold sting that hit my heart as I glanced ahead to the crosswalk. We walked across so naturally as we have so many times before. Maverick, a fourth grader, and sister Ally, a soon to be preschooler. There was a tiger following our footprints; we will always remember our forever fourth grader as we venture to a new school year.

I was overjoyed to hear Maverick had a great first day. He proudly wore a Tiger shirt. Today he hopped on his bike and rode off to school, full speed ahead.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...: These days of "firsts" without Mason must be very very hard. Your courage and strength continue to amaze me. You are never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers. Thanks for continuing to post.; August 19, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Anonymous said...: I saw you and the kids walking to school. Todd and I both said a silent prayer for you. I remembered you telling me how hard the first day of school was going to be and I am so glad that you made it through. Because you are such an amazing woman and Eddie is such an awesome man you make incredible parents. You can and will make it through all these 'firsts'. Remember to take it one day at a time. If that is too over whelming take it one hour at a time. And that too can be overwhelming then take it one minute at a time. And believe it or not there are times we feel like 60 sec will never come to and end. When those times come, they do and will cont to do so call on us, your friends. And we will be there for you.

Peace,
Kim and the Brood

PS Always looking for an excuse to sit out at the Man Bar!; August 20, 2011 at 8:57 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)