Mason loved to work

I have a folder of work that Mason brought in one Monday morning and gave to me. He had worked on several items of homework over the weekend and wanted me to see his work. I was suitably impressed and complimented him. He was doing extremely well in school which reflected his determination and the love he was obviously receiving at home. He missed so much school over the year that he was in my class, only his drive and the support of people who loved him would have produced the capable and confident kid that we knew in class.

Mason was sooooo happy.

On Thursday morning Mason made it to school and sat on his mom's lap for 30 or 40 minutes during our morning gathering. When it came time to do the calendar, I asked "Who can tell me what today is?" as we do every morning. Mason's hand shot up and I called on him. After answering that it was Thursday, October 12th., 2007, he was helped by Danielle up to the calendar so he could put up the card for the day of the month and he also updated the weekly calendar in Spanish. He was shaky, but very happy. His dad e-mailed me later that Mason was sooooooo happy to have done the calendar. I'm so glad that he had that bright point of happiness in his life just 2 days before he passed away.

Mason loved to sing.

He loved it when I played the guitar and led all the children in singing. One of our favorite songs was This Little Light Of Mine. I can still see and hear him singing:

This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Mason let his light be a beacon for all to see.

Mason is released

I spent Saturday evening at Mason's house. I think Mason was waiting for his brother Mateo to come home from a soccer game before he would let go. Mateo came home and said hi. Around 10:30 I told Mason I loved him and said goodbye and I left at 10:38. He left shortly after that at 10:52. I guess Mason thought he should get going because he might miss recess.

Mason's time is drawing near

Mason asked his mom a couple of months ago what would happen if the new treatment they were trying didn't work. Danielle said that then he would join his grandfather in heaven. What a world we live in, a five year old contemplating his own mortality!