Mother's Day

Mother's Day is rapidly approaching and I would like to thank some very special mothers that have touched my life.  First of all, my wife Mindy.  You have been such a blessing to my life, and we have a beautiful baby girl. Just watching you two together, I know that you have such a special bond.  I am so glad she takes after you. I'm sure I don't say it enough, but you are the best! I love you.

To my mom, Karen, I have so many wonderful memories of your sense of humor and kindness while I was growing up. I don't know how that was possible, because I couldn't have been an easy child.  It's been almost 17 years since you were called home, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you, or have a conversation with you.  I am sure you can hear me, so I will be expecting answers to all my questions when we see each other again.

My Grandmother Carroll, you were always a source of strength for me. There was nothing that could go wrong that you couldn't fix. You were always the rock for our family.  You taught me mannors and how to treat people.  There was no end to your generosity and kindness. It's been a little over 13 years since you went to join your daughter, my mom.  I will be thinking of you both on Sunday, and take comfort that you will be together.

My stepmother Bev, our relationship began rough for you.  It couldn't have been easy to be thrown in with a snotty 5 year old.  You brought with a two year old brother for me.  Some of the best memories of my life are of time spent with you guys.  You have helped me grow as a person, and were there for me, unconditionally through all of my ups and downs.  The support you showed when I was going through the loss of my mom and grandma meant more than I could ever express. I love you, and am so glad you are a part of my life.

To all of my sisters, Jenny, Jackie and Katie, you are all fantastic mothers and I love each and every one of my nieces and nephews.  I hope this Mother's Day is extra special for you, and I love you all.

Last, I would like to thank my ex wife, Dawn.  We definately have not been on the same page these past 18 years.  But you have done such a wonderful job raising our daughter, Natasha, and deserve to be recognized for that.  You are a fantastic mother, and have served as a great role model for our daughter.

May God bless and keep you especially on this upcoming day to honor mothers.  You all certainly will be in my thoughts that day.

USS Squalus

I need to take a moment to acknowledge a man that I knew only briefly, my Great-Grandpa Bill. His name was William David Boulton, and was a lifelong U.S. Navy submariner. I would encourage anyone to explore the sinking of the submarine USS Squalus on May 23,1939.  During one of its initial dives, it suffered catastrophic failure and sunk under 240 feet of water.  This was the first time an underwater rescue of this type was ever attempted.  Thanks to the McCann chamber, some submariners were saved, my Great-Grandpa Bill being one of them.

My great grandfather was cut from a rough cloth. I remember our last conversation on October 27, 1983.  I showed him my report card and his response was that there were "too many damn B's." Also that I should get perfect attendence for the year, since I had not missed any days of school at that point.  We went home and got a call the next morning that he had passed during the night.  I did my best to honor his wishes.  I did raise my grades and made it until the 3rd to last day of school without missing a day. Then, the chickenpox struck. Ugh! I knew I could hide it and finish the year out.  I snuck into my mom's makeup and gave myself what I considered a professional makeup job.  What could possibly go wrong?  Oh yeah, chickenpox itch and I wasn't good at putting on make up.  So close!

Please take the time to think of my great grandfather this Memorial Day, and especially those lost on that tragic day.

This poem is written on a plaque at the memorial in New Hampshire:

59 Men all good and true,
59 Men, in Navy blue.
59 Men without a care,
Going to sea to do their share

59 Men in a new "pig boat,"
59 Men, who could sink, yet float.
59 Men in a submarine,
Doing their bit for peace, supreme.

59 Men, and a signal crossed.
59 Men, but some were lost.
59 Men in a tail end dive,
Twenty-six dead - 33 alive.

26 Men in a watery grave,
33 Men, a door did save,
Blocking the sea, with all its might,
Saving some from their shipmates' plight.

59 Men, all tempting the fates,
To protect our home, the United States.
26 Men of a husky crew,
Who gave their lives protecting you.

59 Men on the ocean's floor,
26 Men who are no more.
26 Men who gave their lives,
Protecting our homes, our kids, our wives

Well, this has been quite the eventful week. I began my college education with the hopes of graduating from the Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program.  I completed a semester, and through an unfortunate-turned-fortunate turn of events, dropped the course.  I had decided to do the nursing program, but to be honest my heart was not in it.  I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason.  While having lunch with a physician from heart rhythm services, I remembered why I wanted to be in the CVIS program so badly.  I love cardiology! I have met so many great, even legendary, cardiologists during my tenure at Mayo Clinic, and while I have no misconceptions that I will reach legendary status, I feel that I can make a difference. This is what life is about for me. I want to help make a positive difference through cardiology.

I only need to look at my oldest daughter to be reminded of how special these doctors are.  At 17, she had a condition called AV node re-entry. This is a frightening condition that causes an increased heartbeat often accompanied by fainting.  Dr. Osborn changed her entire life.  Not only was her physical condition completely treated, her psychological well being was also dramatically improved.  The most impressive thing is that Dr. Osborn did the follow up appointment on his day off.  I was reminded by my good friend that I should pursue my passion.  I was accepted back into the program yesterday, and feel on top of the world!

I have had sick family members, and witnessed questionable healthcare in other areas of the country.  I was seriously moved by Dr. Mayo's words stating that the needs of the patient come first.  Those words have special meaning for me, and I willd o my best to live up to them.

unconditional love

There is nothing more difficult for a parent to do than to watch their children suffer in any way. I am positive that any parent reading this will know what I am talking about. This week has been especially trying in that respect.  What started out sas sniffles turned into a sinus infection for my 15 month old. Aside fron flushing her sinuses with saline and aspirating them, there isn't a whole lot one can do.  It is heart wrenching to see that suffering look on her face.  Tylenol and Advil provide symptomatic relief, but does not treat the congeston.  So sleep this week has been in short supply in the Mason household. Oh yeah, did I mention that my wife was sick as well? 

It couldn't possibly get any worse, could it? Let me answer that.  My daughter turned 15 months old yesterday. Any guesses what happens at 15 months?  That's right, innoculations! (And a blood test that needed to be redrawn because the lab only ran half of the test the first time.  Dad did not feel like the good guy yesterday! However, when my little 공주 (princess in Korean) finished with each of her little procedures, she blew kisses to the nurses and lab techs. She even had hugs and kisses for her dad.

I think sometimes we all forget how resillient our children are.  They are little bundles of unconditional love and I think we can all learn something from them.   

Well, I am finding myself coming to the end of another semester.  I have just finished my second to last exam for one of my classes a couple of minutes ago.  Big relief.  One of the distractions that I did not really count on this semester, rather ironically since I want to work in the health field, is illness.  It has been three times the fun with my baby girl, my wife, and myself passing it along to each other.  And if I wasn't the one sick, I was playing nurse.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, most of you will.

This journey throughout the semester has opened my eyes to some new things.  In fact, I have signed and dated "The Glass Castle" and given it away.  I have instructed the new owner that I hope she does the same when she finishes.  It would be really interesting to see where the book makes it to. Come to find out, my sister and daughter were also reading it at the same time I was. I am also reading a book by Ann Coulter, but I fear it would not be met with the same enthusiasm if I were to try the same thing.  Although, I do love her sarcastic style.

There have been some highs and lows for me this semester, but as a whole (I think of Austin Powers when I say that), it has been a great experience.

Every week I re-evaluate my decision to attend college at a less than traditional age.  For me, it comes down to two things: my family and my heart.  I want to set a great example for my children so they pursue higher educaction and work toward rewarding lives for themselves. I also want to have the means to provode for my wife and children to the greatest of my ability. I want to have those memories that last a lifetime, and a college degree will hepl put me into the financial position to do so.

The other, perhaps equally inportant reason is that I believe I have found my calling in life.  I want to be a health care provider at Mayo Clinic, an institution that I believe does and will continue to lead the world in health care.  I truly want to be a valuable part of this institution, and feel that I have much to offer.  Beginning college after my tenure in the military is the first step.

While I was a medic in the Army, our motto was:"so that others may live."  Dr. Mayo's words "The needs of the patients are the only ones in which to be considered," move me deeply, and serve as one of my may motivating factors for entering college.

Well, I finally made it through a weekend that I have been dreading for 18 years, my daughter's senior prom.  When the day came, al of the nerves seemed to give way to feelings of joy.  This was a special day for her, and the smile on her face will be etched in my mind forever. It served as one more reminder that my little girl was growing up. AND I STILL AM NOT SOLD ON IT 100%!  However, this is't about me, its about the fine young lady that my daughter has become. I am so proud of her, and it seems the older she gets, the more the things my dad told me makes sense.  It's funny how that works.

To my daughter, Natasha: I want you to never forget how much you are loved, and how blessed I am to have you as my daughter.This is going to be a year of endings, and of new beginnings. You are about to graduate high school, visit Europe and begin college.  There are going to be times that you feel alone, but you never will be.  I hope all of your dreams come true!  -Dad