Colonel, did you ever dream of a lost friend, and feel that you were holding sweet communion with that friend, and yet have a sad consciousness that it was not a reality? - just so I dream of my boy Willie.-Remark to army officer three months after Willie's death, from Six Months at the White House with Abraham Lincoln by F.B. Carpenter
Just so I dream of my boy Mason. The last books that Mas picked from the school library were about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, who he called Hammerhead Lincoln because when he was younger, he couldn't pronounce Abraham without it sounding like Hammerhead. From the time that he learned who they were, he talked about both men quite often. He was impressed with their service to mankind and I think he felt somehow connected via kind hearts. How I miss the little person that was, in my life, big in every way. There simply aren't words. When I imagine Mason hanging out with Hammerhead Lincoln in Heaven though, it makes me smile.
This picture was taken during a wreath laying Arlington National Cemetery shortly before Christmas last year. It was just a few days before Mason's surgery and ended up being our last trip together as a family. Mason chose a fellow Pennsylvanian's grave to lay his wreath on. The crazy hat that he was wearing is still hanging with his coat by the front door. I can't bear to move them.
I never met Mason, but from how you describe him, it sounds like he was a wise soul and beyond his years. For him to be impressed by Lincoln and MLK at such a young age really speaks to his character. Wishing you peace in your grieving and on-going celebration of Mason's life. {{{HUGS}}}
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that the Bereaved Parents Wish List touched you like it touched me.
ReplyDeleteThis post is especially real to me as I have so many dreams about my Mark. Dreams where I have him there with me and I can touch him and hear him. Yet, I am always aware that I am dreaming-that he is really gone and that I have just "borrowed" him for a short time...just as long as the dream lasts. I cry as I hold him and gaze at his precious face...knowing that when I wake up, he won't be with me.
Praying for you as you miss your son,
Angie
Nance Family-
ReplyDeletePlease know that we think of all of you and "Choclate Covered Pretzel Boy", and since Mason's passing we have all worked hard to use your family and Mason's love as an insperation to our family to continously be kind and love life and each other as if each day were our last. My daughter whom didn't even know Mason includes every nite in her prayers and has NEVER removed her larger than life bracelet because she says that Mason is with her.
Kati Mannino (the pizza lady who really liked him)