Here's a nice story on Mason's Gift
April 19, 2023
Mason's Gift 2022
March 26, 2022
on May 4 we celebrated what would have been Mason's 23rd birthday (his second in Heaven) by helping others as he would have.
Thanks to the generous support of loving family, friends and colleagues, we spent the day at Frisco RoughRiders stadium, where Mason worked for years, collecting food, clothing and supplies for people who are homeless.
People gave so much that the group of Mason's friends who go on "missions" every month to help people who are homeless have restocked their inventory for the coming year! His friends' group, named 214 EA, has already handed out hundreds of meals and supplies.
And, your donations helped us give the first-ever Mason McFarland Memorial Scholarship to a really great young man who's headed off to Stephen F. Austin University. Your gifts also helped the incredible work of our friends from Autism Speak, Vogel Alcove and the Bridge.
Thank you all! And while we've set aside his birthday for a special day of giving in Mason's memory, you can always help year-round:
- The Mason McFarland Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a Frisco high school student who has autism or a learning disability:
https://www.friscoisd.org/departments/frisco-education-foundation/donate-online
- Vogel Alcove, which helps families who are homeless (vogelalcove.org)
- The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, which offers shelter and resources for homeless people (bridgehrc.org)
- Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org)
- Or just go helps somebody who needs help, however you want to.
Thanks to the generous support of loving family, friends and colleagues, we spent the day at Frisco RoughRiders stadium, where Mason worked for years, collecting food, clothing and supplies for people who are homeless.
People gave so much that the group of Mason's friends who go on "missions" every month to help people who are homeless have restocked their inventory for the coming year! His friends' group, named 214 EA, has already handed out hundreds of meals and supplies.
And, your donations helped us give the first-ever Mason McFarland Memorial Scholarship to a really great young man who's headed off to Stephen F. Austin University. Your gifts also helped the incredible work of our friends from Autism Speak, Vogel Alcove and the Bridge.
Thank you all! And while we've set aside his birthday for a special day of giving in Mason's memory, you can always help year-round:
- The Mason McFarland Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a Frisco high school student who has autism or a learning disability:
https://www.friscoisd.org/departments/frisco-education-foundation/donate-online
- Vogel Alcove, which helps families who are homeless (vogelalcove.org)
- The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, which offers shelter and resources for homeless people (bridgehrc.org)
- Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org)
- Or just go helps somebody who needs help, however you want to.
Mason and Riley in the news
July 26, 2021
This video is from years ago when Mason, Riley and some friends were volunteer "B-roll" talent for the American Heart Association. B-roll is the background video you sometimes see with no sound behind anchors on newscasts.
This footage was made available by the AHA's public relations team to any news outlet that was airing a story about kids being inactive, sitting around the house playing with devices and watching TV.
They really got into character, excessively slouching and downing a ton of chips.
This footage was made available by the AHA's public relations team to any news outlet that was airing a story about kids being inactive, sitting around the house playing with devices and watching TV.
They really got into character, excessively slouching and downing a ton of chips.
Mason's Gift event provides supplies, thousands of dollars, to help people who are homeless
April 4, 2021
Family, friends and loved ones gathered May 4 -- what would have been Mason's 22nd birthday -- to honor Mason's spirit of generosity by gathering supplies for people who are homeless.
The event at RoughRiders Ballpark in Frisco, where Mason worked for years, was part of a larger fundraising effort in Mason's name. In all, the Mason's Gift effort raised more than $18,400 and truckloads of clothes, food, water and supplies.
The entire event was an amazing outpouring of love and generosity honoring Mason's memory. You can find plenty of photos of the event at the Mason's Gift Facebook Page.
We'll be honoring him in similar fashion next year. But please feel free to help people who need it year-round by donating to these organizations we supported through Mason's Gift:
Vogel Alcove is a nonprofit organization on a mission to help young children overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness. Here is Vogel Alcove's wishlist for donations. Here is the mailing address:
Vogel Alcove
1738 Gano St.
Dallas, TX 75215
The Bridge is the only shelter in Dallas that provides day shelter services to adults experiencing homelessness. Here is the Bridge's wishlist and mailing address:
The Bridge
Attn: In-Kind Donations
1818 Corsicana St.
Dallas, TX 75201
The event at RoughRiders Ballpark in Frisco, where Mason worked for years, was part of a larger fundraising effort in Mason's name. In all, the Mason's Gift effort raised more than $18,400 and truckloads of clothes, food, water and supplies.
The entire event was an amazing outpouring of love and generosity honoring Mason's memory. You can find plenty of photos of the event at the Mason's Gift Facebook Page.
We'll be honoring him in similar fashion next year. But please feel free to help people who need it year-round by donating to these organizations we supported through Mason's Gift:
Vogel Alcove is a nonprofit organization on a mission to help young children overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness. Here is Vogel Alcove's wishlist for donations. Here is the mailing address:
Vogel Alcove
1738 Gano St.
Dallas, TX 75215
The Bridge is the only shelter in Dallas that provides day shelter services to adults experiencing homelessness. Here is the Bridge's wishlist and mailing address:
The Bridge
Attn: In-Kind Donations
1818 Corsicana St.
Dallas, TX 75201
We're also collecting donations for the group of Mason's friends that delivers food and supplies to people every month. Here is the wishlist and mailing address
Lightly used or new backpacks
Lightly used or new clothes/shoes
NEW socks
NEW undergarments
Lightly used or new blankets
Masks
Water bottles
Razors
Shaving cream
Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
Deodorant
Unscented baby wipes
Small bottles of shampoo/soap
Bandaids/ointment/small first aid kit
Lotion
Tampons/menstrual items
Rain gear
Snacks
Granola/breakfast bars
Beef jerky
Tuna/chicken salad cracker kits
Chips
Trail mix
Instant oatmeal
Hot chocolate
EmergenC packets
Motivational material (e.g., The Daily Bread)
Notepads
Pens
Gift cards
Transportation passes
Mail donations to:
Ryan Newell
1214 Dillion Dr. Ste. 202
ADD2027-2
Dallas, TX 7520
April 1, 2021
I am blessed to be someone with a large inventory of very special and joy-filled memories of Mason.
First and foremost, the sweet, uncomplicated bond between him and my son Kalvin. In the midst of typical kid social issues, they found complete acceptance in each other. And not only that, but unlimited silliness, laughter and fun. They had their own language, private jokes, and a way of connecting that you rarely see in adults, much less kids. It was pure and perfect and created a foundation that was so strong, even a few estranged years couldn't break it. When they reconnected a year and a half ago, they just picked right back up where they had left off. Difficult events and relationships had passed through their respective lives, but the love and connection they shared was restored without a bump or bruise. They both said in a recent conversation that those years they didn't talk, they knew deep down the other one would always be there for them.
For most of their childhood, it was a regular routine for Mason to come spend a weekend here, or Kal to go there. The excitement and joy for those weekends that I saw in Kal, and in Mason too, is unparalleled. Kal always knew he was number one with Mason, and Mason felt the same from Kal. Their acceptance and appreciation of each other was unwavering. Those two little fellers thoroughly enjoyed every minute together.
The biggest marker from those weekends was the constant laughter I would hear come from Kal's room. They tickled each other's funny bones with the smallest of things - a look, word, comment or reaction that only they perceived and understood. It became their gig; we often talked of the Kalvin and Mason Show. Which, when brought to the table or common areas, amused us all – although in all honesty, when performed too long or too loud it could become quite the annoyance. But it was only annoying in a superficial way; deep down, we all appreciated and maybe even envied the special connection these two had.
We have been blessed to spend almost every Thanksgiving and Christmas with Mason and his family. The few times over the years we had to change plans, there was disappointment all the way around; we all felt that a holiday without the McFarlands was just not the same. We would also get together for birthdays when we could, which of course got tougher as the kids grew and had their various activities, jobs and social plans. But no matter what, we always ended up laughing a lot, which I’m sure was most embarrassing to the kids when we were out in public. We didn’t care, and likely still won’t when we meet and recount the funniest stories and comments from each event. We will spend the rest of our lives sharing every treasured moment of those gatherings whenever we get together.
Mason was always happy to see me, text with me, and spend time with me or any combination of my family. Over the last couple years we would meet him for dinner, and it was great to have that connection, and of course lots of laughs. His sense of humor was unique, quirky, and smart. We loved to hear his perception on things, his funny commentary in reaction, and then his precious laugh that we all shared together.
Even through some difficult situations, there was always a sense of his sweetness and purity. He had a big heart, and cared deeply about everyone in his life. He loved sincerely, which many if not most people struggle to do. He learned that from the pure and unconditional love of his parents, and carried it with him into every area and interaction.
We will miss him with every fiber of our beings, and not go a day or maybe even an hour without remembering him. But it will only be all of the good. The tougher things have already begun to fade away. As they will, especially because his problems weren't a representation of who he truly was. His sweet, funny personality always found a way to shine through, and now it is fully unencumbered, free and happy and at peace. He's probably making jokes in Heaven now, and until we join him, he will be delighting our loved ones who are already there. I can't wait to see him again, and listen to that infectious laugh for all eternity.
First and foremost, the sweet, uncomplicated bond between him and my son Kalvin. In the midst of typical kid social issues, they found complete acceptance in each other. And not only that, but unlimited silliness, laughter and fun. They had their own language, private jokes, and a way of connecting that you rarely see in adults, much less kids. It was pure and perfect and created a foundation that was so strong, even a few estranged years couldn't break it. When they reconnected a year and a half ago, they just picked right back up where they had left off. Difficult events and relationships had passed through their respective lives, but the love and connection they shared was restored without a bump or bruise. They both said in a recent conversation that those years they didn't talk, they knew deep down the other one would always be there for them.
For most of their childhood, it was a regular routine for Mason to come spend a weekend here, or Kal to go there. The excitement and joy for those weekends that I saw in Kal, and in Mason too, is unparalleled. Kal always knew he was number one with Mason, and Mason felt the same from Kal. Their acceptance and appreciation of each other was unwavering. Those two little fellers thoroughly enjoyed every minute together.
The biggest marker from those weekends was the constant laughter I would hear come from Kal's room. They tickled each other's funny bones with the smallest of things - a look, word, comment or reaction that only they perceived and understood. It became their gig; we often talked of the Kalvin and Mason Show. Which, when brought to the table or common areas, amused us all – although in all honesty, when performed too long or too loud it could become quite the annoyance. But it was only annoying in a superficial way; deep down, we all appreciated and maybe even envied the special connection these two had.
We have been blessed to spend almost every Thanksgiving and Christmas with Mason and his family. The few times over the years we had to change plans, there was disappointment all the way around; we all felt that a holiday without the McFarlands was just not the same. We would also get together for birthdays when we could, which of course got tougher as the kids grew and had their various activities, jobs and social plans. But no matter what, we always ended up laughing a lot, which I’m sure was most embarrassing to the kids when we were out in public. We didn’t care, and likely still won’t when we meet and recount the funniest stories and comments from each event. We will spend the rest of our lives sharing every treasured moment of those gatherings whenever we get together.
Mason was always happy to see me, text with me, and spend time with me or any combination of my family. Over the last couple years we would meet him for dinner, and it was great to have that connection, and of course lots of laughs. His sense of humor was unique, quirky, and smart. We loved to hear his perception on things, his funny commentary in reaction, and then his precious laugh that we all shared together.
Even through some difficult situations, there was always a sense of his sweetness and purity. He had a big heart, and cared deeply about everyone in his life. He loved sincerely, which many if not most people struggle to do. He learned that from the pure and unconditional love of his parents, and carried it with him into every area and interaction.
We will miss him with every fiber of our beings, and not go a day or maybe even an hour without remembering him. But it will only be all of the good. The tougher things have already begun to fade away. As they will, especially because his problems weren't a representation of who he truly was. His sweet, funny personality always found a way to shine through, and now it is fully unencumbered, free and happy and at peace. He's probably making jokes in Heaven now, and until we join him, he will be delighting our loved ones who are already there. I can't wait to see him again, and listen to that infectious laugh for all eternity.
Mason's big heart
March 19, 2021
Mason knew a group of guys who did something special each month: They gathered up clothes, supplies and food, then drove to Dallas to distribute these things to people who are homeless.
They didn't just hand the goods off, though. They made a point to interact with people whom society ignored, forgot or scorned. They talked with them, asked questions, treated them like people and helped them the best they could. They call these trips missions.
One day a guy in the group, Andre, felt like doing a mission outside the normal schedule. He sent a message to a SnapChat group asking who wanted to go. Mason, who never had been on a mission, quickly volunteered.
Nobody else was available, so Mason and Andre did a two-man mission. They went shopping, asked for donations, rounded up clothing and loaded up Mason's car. Closer to Dallas, they bought 50 cheeseburgers and 50 boxes of chicken nuggets from McDonald's.
Then they spent a long day meeting people and giving them things. One highlight was Mason carrying a woman's bags and talking to her for several blocks as they walked to the train station, where he bought her a ticket. Mason came home deeply moved, filled with a desire to help more.
Andre posted a summary of their day helping people, a summary that made Mason's family very proud. (An image of the post is included in this story.)
They didn't just hand the goods off, though. They made a point to interact with people whom society ignored, forgot or scorned. They talked with them, asked questions, treated them like people and helped them the best they could. They call these trips missions.
One day a guy in the group, Andre, felt like doing a mission outside the normal schedule. He sent a message to a SnapChat group asking who wanted to go. Mason, who never had been on a mission, quickly volunteered.
Nobody else was available, so Mason and Andre did a two-man mission. They went shopping, asked for donations, rounded up clothing and loaded up Mason's car. Closer to Dallas, they bought 50 cheeseburgers and 50 boxes of chicken nuggets from McDonald's.
Then they spent a long day meeting people and giving them things. One highlight was Mason carrying a woman's bags and talking to her for several blocks as they walked to the train station, where he bought her a ticket. Mason came home deeply moved, filled with a desire to help more.
Andre posted a summary of their day helping people, a summary that made Mason's family very proud. (An image of the post is included in this story.)
Cast away
March 9, 2021
One day after cross country practice, Mason had a freak injury. While taking off a shoe, he somehow spun around, fell off the bench and broke his wrist. (Still not sure exactly how he did that.)
Most people with broken arms would scream and howl. Not Mason. He didn't really notice. He mentioned this discomfort in his arm a couple times to us, kind of casually, before we finally took him to a doctor. Turned out that, yes, he had broken his arm.
Mason managed to get on with his cast, wearing it during cross country without much trouble. He was pretty excited the day he could finally lose the cast. Except, once we got to the doctor's office, the wait was ridiculous. We were sitting in the room close to an hour, and Mason was complaining. (He was not a patient person.)
As I launched into some kind of lecture explaining why things took so long, I heard Mason say, "Hey Dad, look." That's when I realized my impatient son went ahead and wriggled his arm out of the cast. We then went to the receptionist's desk asking whether we needed to do anything else, or even whether we needed to pay or stick around. After all, Mason had already done the job.
In the end, he still needed to see the doctor. And everything was fine.
Most people with broken arms would scream and howl. Not Mason. He didn't really notice. He mentioned this discomfort in his arm a couple times to us, kind of casually, before we finally took him to a doctor. Turned out that, yes, he had broken his arm.
Mason managed to get on with his cast, wearing it during cross country without much trouble. He was pretty excited the day he could finally lose the cast. Except, once we got to the doctor's office, the wait was ridiculous. We were sitting in the room close to an hour, and Mason was complaining. (He was not a patient person.)
As I launched into some kind of lecture explaining why things took so long, I heard Mason say, "Hey Dad, look." That's when I realized my impatient son went ahead and wriggled his arm out of the cast. We then went to the receptionist's desk asking whether we needed to do anything else, or even whether we needed to pay or stick around. After all, Mason had already done the job.
In the end, he still needed to see the doctor. And everything was fine.
Something fishy
February 11, 2021
Three or four years ago on Christmas morning, the boys got some sardines in their stockings, along with a note explaining that their parents would pay a certain amount of money for each sardine consumed. Riley got honey mustard flavored, and quickly decided he wasn't playing. Mason got cajun flavored, and took the challenge. Here's some video of this disgusting challenge.
Like son, like father
February 6, 2021
I never imagined I'd get a tattoo. They just never did anything for me. The art form did do a lot for Mason -- he loved tattoos and was always thinking about the next one and why he'd get it. When Mason died, I instantly knew I needed to honor him with a tattoo. I decided to get an exact replica of Mason's first tattoo, symbolizing autism. Mason got his when he was still in high school, secretly doing it without his parents' permission. Once we got over the foul of his sneaking out to get this tattoo, his mom and I were both proud of him for making a statement about a condition he had, understood well and knew many others did not understand. Mine's the exact same as Mason's, just a little smaller and in a slightly different position on the arm. (And, maybe doesn't look as cool as it did on his younger arm.) I'm glad I have it.
Here's to you, Mas!
February 6, 2021
Your parents and aunts Tracy and Kelly decided to honor you with these tattoos modeled after yours. We love you and miss you, Bud.
February 3, 2021
by Koy Eddleman
I have so many special, happy and fun memories with Mason.
Camping
I will start off with the time two Dads decided to take their young boys camping. When we first drove into the campgrounds, Mason and Kalvin were so excited. I remember them just looking out the car windows with eyes wide open and smiles on their faces. However, things didn’t go as planned for the Dads. The boys ran off into the woods as soon as we started to set up camp, and they strayed so far away we couldn’t find them for quite a while. When we finally did, we knew they were hiding something from us. We tried to get it out of them, but couldn’t, which was a typical solidarity stance they took with the parents. As the sun began to set, we enjoyed a mediocre dinner of hot dogs, chips, and soda. I think it probably rained on us sometime during the night too. I remember being visited by the raccoons looking for food, hearing owls screeching all night, and waking up exhausted and sore. We were going to stay longer, but just gave up and packed in the morning. To us Dads, it was simply a camping disaster that we would laugh about plenty later. But to me, this story reveals a brotherly bond between Mason and Kalvin. Whatever happened in the woods was not going to be found out; they stood together and neither was going to break. Whatever it was, it was theirs. This bond continued throughout their lives, and it will never end.
Trips to Corpus
Our annual summer trips to Corpus Christi were so special to me. Every year on our way down, we would stop in Lockhart and other towns are known for their barbecue. Mason loves the meat, as everyone who knows him is aware. That became a big part of those trips, finding the best barbecue places between here and Corpus. Every trip we would go to the beach for a couple of days and Mason always seemed to get sunburned, but that never bothered him. We would meet my brother and his family at night for dinner and occasionally I would make the boys go to a baseball game. I know that wasn’t their favorite activity, but they didn’t seem to care because they were together, and when they were together they always had fun. What stands out the most from those trips though is seeing them floating out in the water just talking and laughing. I am the only one who has this unique memory, and it was so beautiful to see them out in the water, so happy together. I know he loved going on these trips, and it gives me peace and great joy to know that I was a part of something he loved.
BBQ
Connecting with Mason over a plate of ribs, and probably a chopped beef sandwich or two, was the one thing that was just between the two of us. And I will admit eating barbecue was more of a guise to just spend time with him. We would meet at a new restaurant that we hadn’t tried before, and we even occasionally ventured off for tacos. He would always show up with a smile and hug and he never made me feel like this was some kind of an obligation he had with his uncle. He wanted to be there and I always knew he wanted to spend time with me. I remember some tough conversations, but I also remember lots of laughs and reminiscing about different stories. He would tell me about his jobs, especially the RoughRiders. The conversations flowed without pause or awkwardness. It was just two guys hanging out and catching up. And without fail we would talk about his family, John, Lori and Riley. He loved them so much. He would often tell me he was lucky to have such a great family that loved him and was always there for him.
I can’t wait until we get to share another plate of ribs, reminisce about Corpus, and of course have lots of laughs.
Camping
I will start off with the time two Dads decided to take their young boys camping. When we first drove into the campgrounds, Mason and Kalvin were so excited. I remember them just looking out the car windows with eyes wide open and smiles on their faces. However, things didn’t go as planned for the Dads. The boys ran off into the woods as soon as we started to set up camp, and they strayed so far away we couldn’t find them for quite a while. When we finally did, we knew they were hiding something from us. We tried to get it out of them, but couldn’t, which was a typical solidarity stance they took with the parents. As the sun began to set, we enjoyed a mediocre dinner of hot dogs, chips, and soda. I think it probably rained on us sometime during the night too. I remember being visited by the raccoons looking for food, hearing owls screeching all night, and waking up exhausted and sore. We were going to stay longer, but just gave up and packed in the morning. To us Dads, it was simply a camping disaster that we would laugh about plenty later. But to me, this story reveals a brotherly bond between Mason and Kalvin. Whatever happened in the woods was not going to be found out; they stood together and neither was going to break. Whatever it was, it was theirs. This bond continued throughout their lives, and it will never end.
Trips to Corpus
Our annual summer trips to Corpus Christi were so special to me. Every year on our way down, we would stop in Lockhart and other towns are known for their barbecue. Mason loves the meat, as everyone who knows him is aware. That became a big part of those trips, finding the best barbecue places between here and Corpus. Every trip we would go to the beach for a couple of days and Mason always seemed to get sunburned, but that never bothered him. We would meet my brother and his family at night for dinner and occasionally I would make the boys go to a baseball game. I know that wasn’t their favorite activity, but they didn’t seem to care because they were together, and when they were together they always had fun. What stands out the most from those trips though is seeing them floating out in the water just talking and laughing. I am the only one who has this unique memory, and it was so beautiful to see them out in the water, so happy together. I know he loved going on these trips, and it gives me peace and great joy to know that I was a part of something he loved.
BBQ
Connecting with Mason over a plate of ribs, and probably a chopped beef sandwich or two, was the one thing that was just between the two of us. And I will admit eating barbecue was more of a guise to just spend time with him. We would meet at a new restaurant that we hadn’t tried before, and we even occasionally ventured off for tacos. He would always show up with a smile and hug and he never made me feel like this was some kind of an obligation he had with his uncle. He wanted to be there and I always knew he wanted to spend time with me. I remember some tough conversations, but I also remember lots of laughs and reminiscing about different stories. He would tell me about his jobs, especially the RoughRiders. The conversations flowed without pause or awkwardness. It was just two guys hanging out and catching up. And without fail we would talk about his family, John, Lori and Riley. He loved them so much. He would often tell me he was lucky to have such a great family that loved him and was always there for him.
I can’t wait until we get to share another plate of ribs, reminisce about Corpus, and of course have lots of laughs.
January 31, 2021
Mason was born a month after our youngest daughter Laura. They first met each other later that year, in Dallas, and engaged in some deep and meaningful staring at each other, along with a bit of drooling. Despite the fact that we lived in different states, we continued to see Mason almost every year during his early years, at various family gatherings and visits. One of them was a week at Lake Shasta when Mason and Laura were just a few years old, where all the cousins were present. Mason, Laura and Kal spent lots of time in life preservers (wondering at these strange puffy things the grownups insisted they wear), and getting to know their older cousins Josie and Dominic, who graciously allowed themselves to be splashed at and grabbed onto. John and Lori moved from Spokane back to Dallas around that time, and Koy and I went up to help. I still remember John describing how they took Mason somewhere else while the movers packed up the house. When they returned to the empty house with Mason, he looked around and exclaimed, "hey where'd my house go?"
We had a lot of fun when Mason spent time with us in California during early elementary school years. He and Laura both had good imaginations, and fun times were had collecting and picking just about anything that could be picked or collected, including oranges, lemons, sea shells from the beach, and most of all, the fabled "treasure rocks" -- small brightly colored pieces of plastic that were hidden in various places in the yard. Imagine Easter egg hunts on steroids, as Mason and Laura went round and round excitedly poking in every nook and cranny for these exquisite jewels. Hours of fun for the whole family, including the grownups, who had to expend very little energy after the initial outlay of hiding them, and just sat around watching the kids having a great time.
We got to know Mason better during these visits, and it was always fun to watch his enthusiasm when he got excited about something (like treasure rocks, or bacon, or most any type of food that contained meat -- we seem to recall him eating a large pizza all on his own when coming back from a day at the beach with us). He was lively, curious, energetic, and agreeable, even going so far as to play Sleeping Beauty with Laura, all dressed up in her princess outfit and pretending to sleep as the handsome prince hovered over her (probably thinking to himself "hmm, do I really have to kiss her?!")
Family visits continued throughout late elementary and early teenage years, alternating between Texas and California. Mason started wearing his hair longer during this time, and looked a bit like a middle-school version of Peter Frampton, with long, flowing locks and curls. In high school he really started growing, but even though changing physically, still had the same good-hearted nature as when he was young: kind, gracious, easy to be around, is how we remember him from their visit out here in 2017.
Kevin went to Texas for a brief visit early last year, just before the pandemic hit; in part to connect with him, as we knew he was going through some difficult times. The same enthusiasm was still there, as he warmly greeted me ("hey, Uncle Kevin!"), and showed me his tatoos.
So much of our journey through life is about the people we have around us. We are so glad we had Mason in our lives, and will remember him always. We love you Mason!
- Uncle Kevin and Aunt Mary
January 29, 2021
by Kailey Black
Andrew, Mason, and Kailey
January 29, 2021
by Kailey Black
A visit to Spokane to see family ❤️
January 29, 2021
by Kailey Black
Cousin Austin and Mason as kids
January 29, 2021
by Kailey Black
Cousins ❤️
This kiddo broke the mold! We all need to be more like Mason...
January 29, 2021
Part 2 of?
Cont’d from the Fried Chicken and Netflix…Unlike every teenager I know (I spent the most time with Mason when he was teenager), Mason broke the mold when it came to overcoming perceived stereotypes or worrying about petty things that most teenagers are obsessed with.
Case in point- After much contemplation, Lori and I sent Mason to a horse camp because he would absolutely love the opportunity to be around animals all day. As the date approached, we all became increasingly excited about his new golden opportunity.
The day finally came, so we got up at the crack of dawn and Mason and I headed up to Argyle for his horse-camp slumber party. Mason got out of the car half asleep and went about his way after saying our goodbyes.
When we got home, Lori pulled up the campsite, anxiously awaiting for pictures of Mason. One by one, pictures of 6-10 year old girls with Mason were popping up. Lori asked me, 'Where's the boys?!". There wasn't a single boy there. Just Mason, a 6'tall teenage boy with all girls (not one over 4' tall).
I'm pretty sure Lori called Mason at that point, certain that he was ready to get out of the mess that I got him into. However, he just laughed and stuck it out and made the most of it. He spent some quality time with his ranch-mates and never complained once. He was such a man about the whole thing!
I’ve taught teenage boys for years, and I can tell you with much conviction, that I don’t know a SINGLE one who would have had enough self confidence to embrace that situation and turn it into an opportunity. Once again, another life lesson taught by Mason McFarland.
Sweet Mason, you are DEARLY MISSED. Thank you for the memories and enlightenment that I carry with me daily.
Cont’d from the Fried Chicken and Netflix…Unlike every teenager I know (I spent the most time with Mason when he was teenager), Mason broke the mold when it came to overcoming perceived stereotypes or worrying about petty things that most teenagers are obsessed with.
Case in point- After much contemplation, Lori and I sent Mason to a horse camp because he would absolutely love the opportunity to be around animals all day. As the date approached, we all became increasingly excited about his new golden opportunity.
The day finally came, so we got up at the crack of dawn and Mason and I headed up to Argyle for his horse-camp slumber party. Mason got out of the car half asleep and went about his way after saying our goodbyes.
When we got home, Lori pulled up the campsite, anxiously awaiting for pictures of Mason. One by one, pictures of 6-10 year old girls with Mason were popping up. Lori asked me, 'Where's the boys?!". There wasn't a single boy there. Just Mason, a 6'tall teenage boy with all girls (not one over 4' tall).
I'm pretty sure Lori called Mason at that point, certain that he was ready to get out of the mess that I got him into. However, he just laughed and stuck it out and made the most of it. He spent some quality time with his ranch-mates and never complained once. He was such a man about the whole thing!
I’ve taught teenage boys for years, and I can tell you with much conviction, that I don’t know a SINGLE one who would have had enough self confidence to embrace that situation and turn it into an opportunity. Once again, another life lesson taught by Mason McFarland.
Sweet Mason, you are DEARLY MISSED. Thank you for the memories and enlightenment that I carry with me daily.
Old Soul, Deep Conversations, Homemade Fried Chicken, Horror Flix, Shoes, Animal Lover & Runner….
January 29, 2021
Part 1 of ?-
These are the first things that come to mind when I think of sweet Mason. Several years back, Mason stayed a few nights with us on the farm in Lake Dallas. Although we planned on teaching him about the farm life and chores; it ended up that I just got the chance to hang out with a really cool kid, who had the intellect and soul of a 40-year-old.
We watched horror flix and conversed until 2 AM. If you know Mason, this doesn’t sound awkward or surprise you that a grown woman just chilled with a 15-year-old and enjoyed every minute. Sometimes I felt like he was teaching me more about life than I could grasp as a middle-aged adult.
The first night with us, Mason the chef, made us the BEST fried chicken I have EVER had… EVER! He also made the biggest mess in the kitchen I have EVER had… EVER. But I would not trade that mess for the world. We cherished every second of cleaning up flour, eggs and grease off the stove-top, pans and walls, while talking about the profound mysteries of life and shoes.
These are the first things that come to mind when I think of sweet Mason. Several years back, Mason stayed a few nights with us on the farm in Lake Dallas. Although we planned on teaching him about the farm life and chores; it ended up that I just got the chance to hang out with a really cool kid, who had the intellect and soul of a 40-year-old.
We watched horror flix and conversed until 2 AM. If you know Mason, this doesn’t sound awkward or surprise you that a grown woman just chilled with a 15-year-old and enjoyed every minute. Sometimes I felt like he was teaching me more about life than I could grasp as a middle-aged adult.
The first night with us, Mason the chef, made us the BEST fried chicken I have EVER had… EVER! He also made the biggest mess in the kitchen I have EVER had… EVER. But I would not trade that mess for the world. We cherished every second of cleaning up flour, eggs and grease off the stove-top, pans and walls, while talking about the profound mysteries of life and shoes.
January 27, 2021
I was older than Mason by a month but always looked up to him (metaphorically and literally, as he became about a foot taller than me once we hit high school). Although I was in California and he in Texas, family trips back and forth meant we were fortunate enough to see each other usually every year or two. Growing up, he was funnier and more outgoing than I could ever hope to be. I was a fairly shy and quiet little kid, but he brought out the craziest side of me. One of the earliest memories I have is of this fake microphone that we had in Texas — us both being around 4 or 5 and just yelling and singing into it for an entire night, which I’m sure annoyed our parents to no end. We both loved Play-Doh and spent hours cutting it into long pieces and making hair for Uncle John’s head.
I remember visiting Texas during summers when I was an older kid and playing swingball in the backyard. Uncle John would narrate the entire thing like a sports broadcaster and it became one of my favorite events of the trip — something I told my friends at home about and tried to recreate on California swing sets, although we never had the same infectious energy as our Texas counterparts. Mason and I spent hours playing computer games together, spent a day at Hawaiian Falls waterpark, and exchanged lots of music on our iPods. When I was a junior in high school, another Texas summer trip brought us to various colleges in the area. I even contemplated going to school in Fort Worth, at TCU (a very different atmosphere than the Bay Area where I grew up) because I knew it meant I would be close to family that I adored and constantly wanted to see more often.
The summer after we graduated high school, during a Texas trip to the Bay Area, I got to show Mason all the things my friends and I would do together. We went shopping downtown and treated ourselves to fine dining on the Nordstrom’s rooftop. We went into Neiman Marcus and guessed the prices of luxury shoes (he usually won). I drove us to Berkeley, where I would be starting my freshman year of college about a week later, and we watched the sunset from this spot above campus that overlooks the entire bay and San Francisco. It's one of my favorite places, and I'm so happy we got to share it together.
There are so many good memories, but I still wish there could be more. Growing up together was an invaluable part of my childhood and something I will be forever grateful for. Mason brought laughter, compassion, joy, and so much more. I used to never want to leave Texas because of the sheer amount of love and happiness I felt there — feelings I will hold onto when remembering my cousin. All my love to my Texas family, always.
January 26, 2021
Just like his parents, Mason quickly took up a lot of real estate in our hearts. From the first time we met Mason, when was that? 7 or 8 years old? Frankie was in love (she might not forgive me for writing that, but we all know it's true lol) and who could blame her? That big, beautiful smile and those blond curls! We had so many playdates with the kids, so many laughs. So MANY laughs. Like many have already said....food seemed to always be involved. From picking the biggest thing on the menu to leaving me all of the veggies because he wouldn't eat them (the meat-only eater versus the vegetarian!) to our trip in Austin where he wouldn't stop singing, "Bird, bird, bird is the word!" and of course my kids kept singing it for days later (years later, it's now stuck in my head again. Thanks, Mason!)
We're all better for having the chance to know you and though I'm devastated that we didn't get you longer, I'm thankful for the years we did get you. We'll miss you and you'll always be in our hearts. Love you John, Lori, and Riley.
The Wrights
We're all better for having the chance to know you and though I'm devastated that we didn't get you longer, I'm thankful for the years we did get you. We'll miss you and you'll always be in our hearts. Love you John, Lori, and Riley.
The Wrights
January 26, 2021
by Robyn Landry
John and family, I am so sorry for your loss. The story you have shared of Mason's journey in life is amazing and gives a glimpse into the warmth and accomplishments of this incredible young man.
John, you are so beloved by your AHA family, and please know that we are thinking of you and are here for anything you need.
Sending all thoughts and prayers your way,
Robyn
John, you are so beloved by your AHA family, and please know that we are thinking of you and are here for anything you need.
Sending all thoughts and prayers your way,
Robyn
A sweet, caring fighter. (And a hungry one.)
January 26, 2021
by Jaime Aron
As a friend of Mason’s dad, I experienced Mason mostly through the prism of John's words. So while I conjure an image of Mason -- tall guy with a goofy grin, blonde curly hair and a bottomless appetite -- I also think of John and Lori’s love and patience.
That said, there are a few tales worth sharing.
Mason was probably in grade school when John first schlepped him and Riley to White Rock Lake to join our family in “March for Babies,” a March of Dimes fundraiser. One year, Mason absorbed the gist of the event: everybody was there to help make sure more babies get born healthy. Even at a young age, Mason's caring, generous spirit shined through.
Mason was in high school when he joined John and me on a work trip to Philadelphia. It began with the double-whammy of having to wait for our hotel rooms to be ready and some work crisis forcing John and me to fire up our laptops. Mason's response to this delayed start of his quest to conquer every cheesesteak in town? Chilled brilliance: he sprawled his lanky frame across multiple lobby sofas and slept. Once the all-he-could-eat part of the trip began, I marveled at him buzzing through sandwich after sandwich (after sandwich after sandwich). But the best part was simply hanging out with the two of them, hitting several thrift shops and other goofy places as we walked from the Liberty Bell to the meccas of Cheez Whiz and processed meat. It takes a special teenager to be so comfortable hanging out with his dad and his dad's friend.
Mason endured more struggles than anyone his age should, which speaks further to his strong character. He was a fighter. On behalf of everyone who truly cares about y'all, please know we're only remembering the victories.
That said, there are a few tales worth sharing.
Mason was probably in grade school when John first schlepped him and Riley to White Rock Lake to join our family in “March for Babies,” a March of Dimes fundraiser. One year, Mason absorbed the gist of the event: everybody was there to help make sure more babies get born healthy. Even at a young age, Mason's caring, generous spirit shined through.
Mason was in high school when he joined John and me on a work trip to Philadelphia. It began with the double-whammy of having to wait for our hotel rooms to be ready and some work crisis forcing John and me to fire up our laptops. Mason's response to this delayed start of his quest to conquer every cheesesteak in town? Chilled brilliance: he sprawled his lanky frame across multiple lobby sofas and slept. Once the all-he-could-eat part of the trip began, I marveled at him buzzing through sandwich after sandwich (after sandwich after sandwich). But the best part was simply hanging out with the two of them, hitting several thrift shops and other goofy places as we walked from the Liberty Bell to the meccas of Cheez Whiz and processed meat. It takes a special teenager to be so comfortable hanging out with his dad and his dad's friend.
Mason endured more struggles than anyone his age should, which speaks further to his strong character. He was a fighter. On behalf of everyone who truly cares about y'all, please know we're only remembering the victories.
January 26, 2021
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are the ones who mourn, for they will be comforted.
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
Romans 14:8
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
He was so loved, and will always be loved.
Blessed are the ones who mourn, for they will be comforted.
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
Romans 14:8
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
He was so loved, and will always be loved.