Happy 5th Birthday Miracle Mason

Today Mason turns 5! 

Wow!

Every birthday is a true miracle for this boy.

5 years ago when Mason was born we thought

he was a healthy little boy.

Little did we know that at 3 days old he

would get very sick and we would learn 

about Mason's very special heart.

A heart so special, but so sick that

we didn't know how long we'd get to keep 

him here with us. It's been a long journey,

but one full of many blessings! Mason has

surpassed by far any medical expectations!

This is why we call him

Miracle Mason!

 Mason is one very funny boy.

He is also very stubborn!

When he gets his mind set on something,

just know there's NO way you can get him 

to change his mind! Just like the swimsuit he

wanted to wear EVERYDAY during the summer,

he has certain things he wants to wear lately

which I am not sure is better or worse than that

silly swimsuit. He likes to wear button down shirts

and a tie. He started wanting to wear these shirts

because they have a pocket for his police 

walky talky. 

Then one day 2 weeks ago he pulled 

some ties out of the closet and he insisted on 

wearing one. And, has wanted to wear one 

almost every day since. No need  if it matches

 either, in fact sometimes I think he goes for the 

most mis-matched as possible! He also has to

 have a belt on, for a place to put his gun. 

Let's just say..... it is very cute, but quite  

high maintenance for a 5 year old! 

Even better is when he is insists on 

wearing the shirt, tie, pants, and belt to bed!

Or, if his clothes get dirty or wet at all,

he has to change into a whole new outfit.

Sometimes it's 5 outfits in just 1 day!

He will wake up in the middle of the night

asking, "Mom is my shirt fine? Is my belt fine?

Is my tie fine?" and he will repeat this several

times a night! One very silly boy that I 

dearly love, but at times can drive me crazy!!!

Mason loves anything that has to do with

police officers, fire fighters, sports, and guns.

His favorite TV shows to watch are Caillou, Fireman Sam,

The Fresh Beat Band, Rookie Blue, and Flashpoint.

(Yes that's right, Rookie Blue and Flashpoint are

 quite "grown up" shows, but he loves them because of 

the guns, the helmets, the uniforms, and the action!  )

Mason also loves to dance (especially to 

"Gangnam Style), color, paint, and play any kind

 of ball.... be it baseball, football, lacrosse or

 soccer. It has been so fun to seem him finally walk

 this year and join in playing with the all kids!

Mason is still just a little guy weighing in at

 just 27 lbs on his 5th birthday, but

 he is one of the strongest little boys I know!

Dear Mason,

Thank you for letting me be your Mom.

I feel so blessed that you chose me!

You are so brave, so strong, and

so very tender hearted.

You are wise way beyond your years.

You are a teacher to us all

about what is truly important in life.

You are fun and silly and

a joy to all those you meet.

You are one amazing little boy

who is LOVED by many!

Happy 5th Birthday Mason!

Love, 

Mom

The Day I Became a Heart Mother

One day my world came crashing down,
I'll never be the same.
They told me that my child was sick.
I thought, "am I to blame"?
I don't think I can handle this.
I am really not that strong.
It seemed my heart was breaking.
I have loved him for so long.

I will not give up on this child.
I will listen to your advice.
I will give my child any chance.
No matter what the price.
I will learn all that I need to help my child thrive.
I'll even use that feeding tube.
My child must survive!

Will he need a lot of therapy?
Will he gain the needed weight?
Please God, help me do this.
I will accept our fate.

When the monitors beep at night, it serves as my reminder.
How many parents would love that sound.
Tomorrow I will be kinder.
As another Angel earns his wings,
I run to my child's bed.
I watch him sleep for quite a while.
I bend down and kiss his head.
I cry for the parents whose hearts have been broken.
I look to You wondering why?
Oh Lord, I just can't know your ways....no matter how I try.

And yet, I trust you hold his life, and guide us through each day.
My mind says savor each moment he's here,
but my heart begs, "PLEASE let him stay"!

From pacing the surgical waiting room, to sitting by his bed.
From wishing for a good nights sleep, to learning every med.
From wondering, "will he be alright?", to watching him reach out his hands.
With every smile my heart just melts, despite life's harsh demands.

For all who see that faded line.
I look to them and smile.
You see my child is loved so much.
I would face ANY trial.
That scar I trace with my finger (It's the door to his beautiful heart).
God must have known how much I'd love him (Just as He loved him from the start).

A heart mom is always a heart mom.
Now wise beyond her years.
For those who have angels in heaven,
Our hearts share in all of your tears.

Every day I will try and remember,
I was chosen for him (and no other).
I will always embrace that beautiful day.......
When I became a "Heart Mother".

- Author Unknown