Mason Matthew Roberts was an amazing soul. Until his diagnosis, he truly was living his best life. He loved nonfiction books, Legos, and history. He loved history so much, in fact, that he was going to be a history college professor at a college in Texas when he grew up. He was so determined to do this, he even had a list of classroom rules that he was going to enforce. His potential was immeasurable. He had a great love for his family. He always was happy and content to be with his family. He had a sister, Lexi, with which he shared an indescribable bond. They were each other’s protectors. Mason loved life.

In the summer of 2019, we knew Mason was sick but nobody knew what was ahead. It took numerous doctors and tests before he was diagnosed with a very incredibly rare vascular malformation known as Kaposiform Lymphangiomatosis. Also a malignant process. From the moment he was diagnosed in September until the moment he passed away, Mason was the most courageous person. With it being such a rare diagnosis, every chemo treatment, medication, procedure was a trial. And with every trial came a new struggle for Mason. From the time he was diagnosed, until he passed away, Mason spent more time in the hospital and doctor’s offices than he did at home. But each day, he still found a reason to smile. No matter how badly he felt when he woke up in the morning, when the doctor would ask him how he was doing, he’d reply with a smile, “pretty good.” He fought and endured more than most adults could handle. And he did it with such dignity and grace. When the time came that we all knew there were no more trials, no more options, we had to tell Mason. As his father and I sobbed telling him that he had only a matter of days left on this earth, he never shed a tear. His reply was, “It’s ok. The only person that could help me is God and it is all just part of his plan.” Once again, showing such maturity and grace. Two weeks after Mason turned 13, he went to be with Jesus.

Although our hearts are broken, Mason’s legacy will continue to live on. The number of people that this sweet soul impacted in his short 13 years is more than most adults will impact in their life. He promised that he would “save rooms for us in his house in Heaven for when we get there.” Some day, we will be there with him again.