Mason Arik: October 2012

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Beauty of Fall...

Fall is here. It brought a smile to my face when the neighborhood kids were talking about how our tree loses its leaves first. One of the younger kids said, "I know its Mason." We all know that's not true. What I do know is, I have never experienced such joy and beauty in all the seasons until Mason. Now, I actually watch as the leaves fall to the ground, in awe of the beauty. As the leaves fall from the trees; just like snow falls from above; my heart is wide open.

Today after church if the rain slows down, I hope we can visit the pumpkin patch, another beautiful fall tradition; memories swirl in my head. Maverick one year picked a half rotten one because no one else would bring it home. His heart as pure as gold. We've had a great 3 day weekend, the kids were off on Friday. It's just what we needed. Time with each other and smiles in our hearts. And at the start of the Jared Coones pumpkin run just before the red/pink balloon release,one green balloon floated high above. (coincidence or not, I heard Mason say hello)

2006 Schaakes Pumpkin Patch

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)