Until We Meet Again

Mason Clark Ream, age 12, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 18, 2006 after a 3½ year battle with cancer.

The son of Bradley Clark Ream and Anita Long Ream, Mason had lived in Shelby since his birth on February 15, 1994. He was a sixth grade student at Central School Intermediate where he was a member of the student council and on the Honor Roll. Mason attended the Shelby First United Methodist Church where he was baptized as an infant, participated in Junior Church, and was an acolyte. Mason participated in numerous sports and had been a member of the Shelby Jammers basketball team since first grade.

Mason had many amazing opportunities during his short life, such as hiking an active volcano, swimming with dolphins, meeting sports celebrities, and playing basketball with the OSU men's team. However, one of the most special opportunities he had was growing up in Shelby surrounded by the love and compassion that a small town has to offer. Mason was happiest when he was watching the Whippets compete, especially in his favorite sport, basketball. He loved being a part of the Shelby school system where he felt loved and supported by the students and staff.

Mason's participation in numerous clinical trials at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will help researchers develop more effective treatments for neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. That contribution to science, along with his steadfast courage and beautiful smile, are a legacy of which his family is proud.

Funeral services will be held 2:30PM Wednesday, March 22, 2006 from the First Church of God, 3616 St Rt 39 S, Shelby. Reverend Gail Angel, his pastor, will officiate with interment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the First Church of God Tuesday, March 21, 2006 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial expressions may be made in Mason's name to the Shelby Athletic Boosters Field House Fund or Central School Intermediate PTO. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.

With a heavy heart, I ask for Christi's supporters to please lift up a most wonderful family - the Ream Team from Shelby, Ohio. Their son, Mason, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at Children's Columbus just weeks before Christi and sadly he earned his Angel wings about 9:00 this morning. Because of many commonalities (parents both teachers, persistant disease which led them to CHOP, etc.) we consider them family and are just heartbroken that their wonderful son was taken from them so young. I hope I am able to somehow make it to the calling hours before we fly out Tuesday. Mason will forever live on in our hearts and minds! Rest in peace, sweet Mason and please pray for Mason's parents and sisters, including his twin.

(PHOTO CAPTION: Mason with Brad & Anita just weeks ago)

"God's Lent Child"
“I’ll lend you for a little while
A child of mine,” God said
“for you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years
Or forty two or three..
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
And – (should his stay be brief) –
You’ll have his lovely memories
As a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth returns;
But there are lessons taught below
I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked the whole world over
In my search for teachers true
And from the things that crowd life’s lane
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love?
Not think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
This Lent Child back again?”

“I fancied that I heard them say –
“Dear Lord, Thy will be done
For all the joys Thy Child will bring
The risk of grief we’ll run.
We will shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known
Forever grateful stay.

But should Thy angel call for him,
Much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.”