My Hero

Here is a picture I just happened to run across, it was taken the last day of radiation at St. Jude and we were homeward bound. This mask was worn every Monday-Friday at 11 am for 6 weeks. At first it gave him nightmares. The tight fitting mask, having to lie still on the table as beams of radiation go in your head, while mom waited in the lobby. Black Eyed Peas blaring in his ears, who knows what he was thinking. Lots of inner strength, not knowing what to expect the next day, missing home. The cuts on the mask were made the last week due to puffy cheeks. Mason you will always be my hero. I share this picture knowing that September 13 is around the corner, we are returning to St. Jude for a MRI. Chemo will start again September5 and end the 18th. The 22 week treatment ends.What's next? Lots of inner strength.........

Head for the Cure..step by step

I don't even know how to start...the Head for the Cure 5K was awesome! I was so proud of Mason and the entire 13 members of Team Mason-we formed in just 2 days. Thank you!! Mason you made me smile every step of the way. And thanks to Carolyn, Angela, Jon and Jackson who walked along the way with Mason and me. Papa, Eddie and Maverick and Angie (Eddie's co worker) were the racers. Brandie volunteered for the Kids Race. And Ally and Mimi cheered everyone! At the award ceremony, Faith awards were given to those that are currently battling brain cancer. Mason received this award!! I don't even know what to say........Mason if only you knew how inspirational you truly are.
We are hoping to multiply the team participants by 10 next year. We will be more organized next year. How about 130 or more! Thanks, Head for the Cure and all participants for a memorable day. We can do it, step by step...

Take a Risk

This is one of my favorite pictures of Mason. He wanted me to print the picture for a homework assignment. He needed a picture, or newspaper article about someone taking a risk and then explain the consequences. I am not sure what he said in school; but he told me how scared he was the first time on the high dive. (This is that very first picture-July 2007) So I asked him the consequence and he said it was Fun and he would have never known unless he took a risk. I continue to grow in your simple and wonderful wisdom.
Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down. ~Ray Bradbury

Dance

It's Wednesday. Trying to stay as positive as we can. Another trip to the grocery store, this time for some Ensure and more Vitamin water. The only way Mason would swallow his Chemo this morning was with Vitamin water, his stomach did not hurt this time. Last night it would not stay down so we gave it a try. Now mom just wants him to eat. Last night, was awesome seeing Mason skate at the school Skate Party! What a wonderful feeling! Keep up those positive moments. It was awe inspiring this morning to see Mason teaching Rex to dance.
" Life isn't about waiting for the storm to be over, it's about learning how to dance in the rain"-Unknown

Summer isn't over yet!

We love the weekends! 400 plus water balloons and an evening with the neighbors sure made our weekend a Blast!! Make's Monday a little harder.........with an after school doctor visit, our weekly blood draw........ I don't want the weekend to end. The good news is Mason is awake and eager to start the week. Besides summer is not over yet, we'll be splashing every moment!!! Celebrate every day, even Mondays! Be sure to check out the Summer Memories Video on the right--We had the time of our life. Just wait Fall, we have a lot of FUN planned too....

Rex

Mason is enjoying 4th grade, he had a wonderful week, with 2 full days of school on Wednesday and today. We are all enjoying a routine. And Rex entertains Ally while the boys are away, she'll be dressing him in princess clothes soon. (Just don't tell the boys)

Rex was not given the proper introduction. He melted all our hearts,when the kids took us on an adventure, 7/31. We've had our share of issues when finding a family dog. But Mason was very persistent; he wanted a dog of his own. There was a strong connection with Rex. He was shaved bald, since he was a stray, but that made him more special. Mason was determined to pay the $20 adoption fee. Rex was the one. Not a coincidence; Mason's wearing his Much Love and Happiness shirt. The picture says it all. Welcome home Rex. Thanks for showering our lives with love.

Make A Difference For Mason

Make A Difference For Mason
Please click on the link above to help support St. Jude

So proud of the Brookridge team that was formed to help support St. Jude.
St. Jude gave us HOPE.

Once you choose hope, anything's possible.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

"Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." -Danny Thomas (St. Jude founder)