Mason Arik: A guest at the table...

Sunday, January 22, 2012

A guest at the table...

January, Oh January. You have been rough on us all. 2012 has also been a time to open up and welcome grief into our lives. That sounds weird, but grief is so tricky... It's been around for so long, but it's time to deal with it. Grief has been tangled inside; it is amazing how much we can store inside; eventually it explodes within us. I have realized; I can not read other stories or blogs or comment on others experiencing the same. Yes, I am too sensitive and have yet to properly address my own grief. I feel better admitting this, this is my first big step. The blog has helped me so much, even all the posts never posted; it is my healing, our family's steps.

We had a wonderful get-away Friday night to the Overland Park Sheraton, we finally took advantage of a gift card. The kids went with us, it was after all a Junior Suite, movies, and pool. I wouldn't want it any other way. We had a some great family time. It was a long 2.9 mile drive to the hotel in which we had just enough time to order pizza. We were very impressed and highly recommend the OP Sheraton. Its friendly service, and all its accommodations, it was a vacation...it was wonderful. We are all hibernating the rest of the weekend, as Ally's cold got the best of her and we've all had quite the week.

It is amazing how in 30 days the green latex balloon has spoke to us. Landing in various spots around the house, on Friday landing next to "You are my Sunshine" sign. Yesterday, the green balloon finally started to descend, it was floating and Ally batted it in the air and it floated around again. Later, I found it resting as a guest at the table. This morning it is resting in the same spot in the seat of the chair. A perfect spot. (I believe, Mason controlled its every move.)

As we left the doctor's office Saturday, I snapped a heart Maverick drew, inside the hand the words, "Hope, Love, Courage, and Family" Words of encouragement straight to our hearts. A family logo. Maverick painted a similar design on a plate for the Make-a-Wish ® Gala, with a green hand print and blue heart.

Today is a Wiscurzoo stuffing and sewing day in reverse order. We have not predicted any football teams Wiscurzoo style, as the Bronco and Packer Wiscurzoo failed. Smiles to everyone. Maybe there is a reason we couldn't find any 49ers, NY Giants or Patriots material.

1 comment:

Brandie said...: Love you guys. Hugs and love!!!!!!; January 22, 2012 at 7:05 PM

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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)