Happy First Angel Heart Birthday Miracle Mason!

Dear Mason,

One year ago today was and will always be a very memorable and special day. On this day last year, early on Easter morning, as many prayers across the world were being said for you, we said a tearful but joyful goodbye......... sending you into the OR to receive your new 'Angel Heart'. As the OR staff rolled you away, Dr Olaf Reinhertz (your amazing surgeon) promised he would take good care of you and felt like this heart (which was on an airplane coming from Vegas as we spoke) was a perfect match for you and that your surgery would go well. Hearing his words and knowing that Heavenly Helpers and the Lord's Hand would be with him through your surgery I was comforted through the rest of the day as I patiently, yet anxiously waited to see you again.

This gift of a new heart and a new life couldn't have come at a more perfect time. You and I had been alone in Palo Alto California (the hometown of Stanford University) awaiting your new heart and had left behind our family in Utah. But, 2 days before this special day- Daddy, your brothers, your sister, and Sammi (our 'super nanny') arrived in town to spend Easter and Spring break with us. What a wonderful surprise it was when we received the exciting news late the night before Easter. And of all days to receive your new 'Angel Heart' there could not have been a more appropriate and perfect day ........ Easter Sunday! As we remember the sacrifice and resurrection of our Savior on Easter, we will also always remember the sacrifice and charity of your donor family to give you a second chance at life. Because of their gift to you sweet Mason, you were given a new beginning, a new life, just as Easter and Springtime symbolize.

Mason you are a very special child of God and you came into this world fighting to fulfill your mission here on earth. Your strength continues to amaze me each and every day, especially with all you have been through so far in your short life. You inspire everyone that knows you and even people that have never even met you, but that know of your journey. You have completely

surpassed all medical expectations, which makes it very obvious that Heavenly Father has a special and important plan for you. You have taught me so much about FAITH, PRAYER, and HOPE. You have taught me to appreciate the little things in life. You have taught me to enjoy today for you never know what tomorrow may bring. You have taught me how priceless life is and to never take it for granted!

Mason you are loved by so many. You are loved more than words can express by your parents and your siblings (Kailtin, Preston, Braiden, & Ammon)! Along with the challenges, your journey has brought our family more joy and blessings than I could measure or count! Friends, family, neighbors, and ward members from church have served our family in so many ways. We have been shown endless compassion and love for which we are very grateful!

Through this our family has learned to look for ways to show compassion to others and especially to other children born with disabilities.

(above picture: taken four days post transplant)

I know I've said this before, but I want to tell you again.......I feel privileged to be your Mommy. You are a little man full of more wisdom, patience, and unconditional love than most of us. I know without a doubt that you are a valiant spirit sent here by our Heavenly Father to teach us many lessons. Because of the kindness and selflessness of your donor family (Who we still haven't had the opportunity to meet....but hopefully someday we will) we will get to learn many more lessons from you in this life. I will forever be grateful to this family and still pray daily for there comfort.

May you always enjoy life to it's fullest! Happy 1st Angel Heart Birthday!

Lots and lots of love,

Mommy

(Picture taken by Shanna Michelle, Angel Logan's Mommy)