Just a couple days after I announced on the blog that we were going to Disney World in January to celebrate Andrew’s life and heals as a family, I was contacted by an amazing reader. She and her husband were so touched by my blog and the short life of my son that they wanted to do something for us.
At the time, they were pregnant with their second son Mason. Mason was to require heart surgery at birth (he was born during our trip!) and they were deeply moved to share the Disney magic with us even though they were going through so much themselves. When she informed me that they wanted to pay for our hotel accommodations at Disney World, I literally had to pick myself up off the floor.
They paid for us 7 nights in a Ft. Wilderness cabin. This has always been at the top of our resorts to stay at list. And here they were, 3000 miles away (they live near Disneyland) and complete strangers wanting to pay for our stay. I could not believe it. God was working through these amazing people to heal our broken hearts.
I decided to wait to tell Jason about the hotel reservation until we were about to check in. You can see his awesome reaction here. But he didn’t realize that they paid for the reservation until 2 days later. He thought they just helped us book it! So in addition to the surprise reaction caught on the video, he had another one in the parking lot at the Hollywood Studios. 2 amazing, unforgettable moments given to us by these incredible people.
Mason was born on January 6th and had his first surgery a few days after birth. He remains in the hospital at the time of this post. Please continue to lift sweet Mason and his family up in your prayers. He could definitely use them. God has such amazing plans for this little boy and his life has already touched thousands of people’s lives including mine. I will never forget Mason and his family.
They are getting ready to walk for the Ronald McDonald house. If you would like to help support Team Mason, please visit their page here.
Please do not feel obligated to donate. Your free prayers, thoughts etc are what are most needed. Thank you!
Thank you for the update!! I can’t beleive it was almost 2 months ago. I remember your post of his birth… Your family was starting to heel when Mason’s parents were getting ready for the surgery. I really do believe in “paying it forward” and try to do one random kind act for someone once a week. Small or large the thought is what counts…
Mason & his family has 5 more prayers coming his way tonight !!!
I have been following Mason’s story. I tried to post a supportive message on their blog but couldn’t get it to work. So please make sure they know that your readers are thinking of them and worrying right along with them and sending them good thoughts and prayers.
I am always amazed at the generosity of people. It is an amazing gift when people think of others even when hard times are upon them. Truly amazing people, sending prayers to your sweet Mason! God will bless you as you have blessed others!
What an amazing story. I will be praying for baby Mason and his family!
What a beautiful gesture. The kindness of strangers can take your breath away. I’ll pray for Mason.
what amazeing people. their family and yours is in my prayers!
Six years ago, my 10 year old grandson, Jacob, was run over and killed by a young man on meth. 5 months later, I found out I had cancer. My son and his family, Jacob included, had been saving for a trip to Disneyworld. The flights and hotel were already paid for at the time of Jacob’s death. We talked it over as a family, and we all agreed that Jacob would have wanted his family to take that trip. While they were there, my son called me, crying, saying he didn’t know if he could continue their vacation. I talked to him a long time and prayed hard for him. I had had some silicone bracelets made to honor Jacob, but I hadn’t seen my son to give him some of them. I overnighted them to him and told him that whenever he felt like he would fall apart, he should rub that bracelet and picture Jacob smiling down from heaven. My son said that simple act helped him, not only at Disneyworld, but through all the days ahead. I wore my bracelet through every surgery. If I was asked to remove it, I told them that the bracelet never comes off and I wouldn’t have surgery without it. I know Jacob was with me every time. We still wear our bracelets and often rub them and picture our Jacob. One never knows when a simple act, word or gesture will help a person get through a difficult time. Oviously, your story touched Mason’s family very deeply in a way that helped them through the difficult days ahead. My prayers go out for your family and for Mason and his family. God Bless you all.
Wow what a powerful post… Thanks you for sharing!!
I am going to remember the bracelet idea forever!!
Thanks
What a tremendously generous and thoughtful thing to do!
Saying a special prayer for them as well as your family!
This is an amazing story, how God works. We will definatley keep Mason and their family in our prayers!!
That is an incredible story! My prayers are with your family as well as Mason and his family.
Amazing, simply amazing. Praying for Mason & family!!!!
Nothing that God does surprises me anymore…..they are an amazing family…and we are praying for baby Mason.
What wonderful people! I’ll pray for Mason.
It always amazes me how Jesus brings people into your life and what he does through them. Thanks for sharing this, Kristin.
I have been following Mason’s blog since you first mentioned them and I have been praying for that family everyday. They are so strong and have such a wonderful little boy!