Mason Arik: Strawberry Shortcake and Sobe

Monday, August 22, 2011

Strawberry Shortcake and Sobe

Maverick's sunflower

It's Monday and we are gearing up for the Head for the Cure 5K. Last night Maverick told me he hopes we get to 101. So this morning, I noticed we are up to 98 participants!! Wow!!!

Knowing next month is Childhood Cancer Awareness. My gears are moving slow, aching for ideas. I have called a few companies, each time encouraged that someone else becomes aware.

I am still trying to balance family and household duties. When the kids are in school I seem to organize; closets, rooms, and cabinets. The queen of organization you would think, but not so.

The strangest things make my heart cry. A simple straw brings tears, a plastic straw; Mason used straws to drink. An Ice pop wrapper, a simple reminder of Mason's last request. His struggle to eat. It is strange and unpredictable the times my heart shatters. Maverick wanting to color his ceiling with orange and black stripes. A sigh to the heart as Mason I'm sure smiles at the idea.

Yesterday we splashed and relaxed at home, and sunshine filled our hearts. Smiles were all around, but I still look around; MISSING!! I look above for answers. Where is our echo of laughter, our extra ray of sunshine?

Maverick spotted an empty hamster cage in the attic, it brought an instant idea. Maverick was so excited to visit the pet store finding two Siberian dwarf hamsters; one for Ally, named Strawberry Shortcake and one for Maverick, named Digger Sobe. Both boys we think. Although Ally pretends hers is a girl. I can't help but smile at the pictures from this weekend. The little things that make the heart happy.

2 comments:

MusicGirl23 said...: I know the feeling...of finding things, sometimes the most insignificant things that bring back memories. Straws are that way for me as well, not because of a child, but because of my mom's journey with cancer-straws made it easier to drink because she didn't have to be sitting all the way up. I may not have endured what you have, but I know cancer all too well, and at 21, I keep praying for a proper cure. No child, no PERSON should ever have to deal with cancer.; August 22, 2011 at 1:08 PM
Deanna said...: Such fun pictures of summer fun! Thank you! Tell Maverick I especially like the picture of his sunflower....it is beautiful!; August 23, 2011 at 1:27 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)