Mason passed away tonight, very peacefully, a little before 11PM, surrounded by family, ending his 15 month battle with brain cancer. He was visited all day long by a stready stream of friends and family who loved him. We think he waited for Mateo to get home from the DC United game, as he had lasted longer than expected, and then passed shortly after Mateo got home. He was strong as a rock to the end - anyone who knew him would not be surprised.
Earlier in the day, Mateo packed all of Mason's soccer jerseys, socks, some cleats, trophies, soccer stickers and a ball, for Mason's journey. He told Mason that he was the "best brother in the world."
Two waiting children will be the recipients of Mason's corneas and heart valves, so he will continue to live on, in a way, in this world.
There will be two services for Mason. He will be buried, most likely in the middle of this week, along with Kirk's father at the West Point Cemetery at the United State Military Academy. We expect to have a memorial service in Arlington on Friday or Saturday. Mason touched so many lives, and so many touched his life. We look forward to celebrating his life with friends and family. All are welcome, and we will send along details of time, place and day shortly in an email as well as post them here. Thanks to all the medical personnel who did their best to save Mason. Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and support during the last 15 months. They were extremely important to us. We love you all.
An Irish Blessing
Deep Peace of the Running Wave to You
Deep Peace of the Flowing Air to You
Deep Peace of the Quiet Earth to You
Deep Peace of the Shining Stars to You
Deep Peace of the Gentle Night to You
May The Sun, Moon and Stars Pour Their Healing Light onto You
May there be Deep Peace from the Light of the World to You.
Death Is Nothing
Henry Scott Holland
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant.It is the same as it ever was;there is absolutely unbroken continuity.Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near just around the corner...All is well. Nothing is past, nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before,
only better, infinitely happier
and forever we will be one together.
Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)
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THE SHIP OF LIFE
by John T. Baker
Along the shore I spy a ship
As she sets out to sea;
She spreads her sails and sniffs the breeze
And slips away from me.
I watch her fading image shrink,
As she moves on and on,
Until at last she’s but a speck,
Then someone says, “She’s gone.”
Gone where? Gone only from our sight
And from our farewell cries;
That ship will somewhere reappear
To other eager eyes.
Beyond the dim horizon’s rim
Resound the welcome drums,
And while we’re crying, “There she goes!”
They’re shouting, “Here she comes!”
We’re built to cruise for but a while
Upon this trackless sea
Until one day we sail away
Into infinity.
God bless all of you.
I was sad to hear of Mason's passing this morning. I have been following your blog for a while.
Your family has been so strong, so committed to only the best for Mason. Although I was not lucky enough to be his social worker, I was able to be a silent observer of Mason's struggle/strength and all that you did to let him know he was loved, and to prepare him for his transition.
I admire you all so much, and know that Mason is in a place surrounded by soccer nets :).
All you need is to call...me, or Elena, and let us know if you need anything. Our hearts ache for you.
Erica
CNMC
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
--Excerpt from Mary Frye--
You are in our hearts today Mason, and the entire Leach Family. With all our love,
Laura and Chuck
Dear Mason,
You were but wise beyond your years...
...and now you know the answer to all questions.
We will look for you.
We will look for you always.
We will see you
...in every flower...
...in every bird...
...in every sunset...
...in every ocean wave…
…in every soccer goal ever scored
Everything of beauty
will forever be you, Mason.
Anything young and proud.
Anything good and strong.
For us who are left...
...remains to wonder…….
I hope your journey has been good...
...because you have already arrived.
Fly bird of the sun as you will soar above us.
Fly Proud and Fly High.
With All My Love,
Your Dearest Aunt Mary
Dear Leach Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mason's passing. My thoughts and prayers are still with your family during this very difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Kristy Fortman
I cannot put our heartache into words as eloquent as others here have. We love you all, and our thoughts are with you. Your strength through this all has been a testament to the love in your family.
-Doug, Gina, Cole and Rowen Ewalt
Leach Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so sorry to hear about Mason's passing.
Susanna
Dear Leach Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and will continue to say special prayers at our house. We hope you will feel our hands on your hearts across the miles.
Love,
Shawn,Jennifer,Molly,and Tyler Duke
Stay Gold
A song by Stevie Wonder
For Mason
Seize upon that moment long ago
One breath away and there you will be
So young and carefree
Again you will see
That place in time...so gold
Steal away into that way back when
You thought that all would last forever
But like the weather
Nothing can ever...and be in time
Stay gold
But can it be
When we can see
So vividly
A memory
And yes you say
So must the day
Too, fade away
And leave a ray of sun
So gold
Life is but a twinkling of an eye
Yet filled with sorrow and compassion
Though not imagined
All things that happen
Will age too old
Though gold
With Love
Josette & Vincent
I'm a friend of Sher's, and I just wanted to leave a quick note to say I'm so, so sorry for your loss.
Dear Danielle, Kirk, and Mateo,
Your courage, and faith, are a beacon and a blessing to us all. Thank you for sharing the gift of Mason's life with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
"A human life is a story told by God." - Hans Christian Anderson
Love from Steve, Jeana, Mike and Heather
I don't know what to say other than I'm sorry. I've been following your story from Kabul - and am inspired by Mason and your family's strength and lives. I am keeping you all in my prayers.
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