Masyn's Memorial Playground

[trumansmom]

I know so many of you were moved so much by Masyn's parents' grace and courage after he died. I just wanted to share how amazing they continue to be. Apparently, for his 5th birthday (July 9th) he had requested a big old playset with all the works. They had planned on getting one for him. Now, in order to honor his wishes after his death, they are building one for the community. Although it will be on church grounds, it will be open to the community as a way to celebrate and honor his life.

Here's the link to the website:

www.masynsplayground.com

I've been participating in the planning meetings and helping put together a big community dinner on July 22nd. His parents have just been incredible and working their tails off to make this happen. We're hoping to reach our fundraising goal in the next few weeks. If anyone is interested in making a contribution, just click on the "Donate" page of the website.

Thank you again for all your support and prayers. Truman is coping very well since Masyn's death, and in no small part, it's due to the wonderful advice and support I had from all of you.

Thanks again -


Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[Splash]

That's nice. He was a cute kid.

Not to be nit picky, but I know it would bother me if I were his parents... did you notice (I am sure you did) that they spelled his name Maysn all over the place? I just know that I would want his name spelled the way I picked it if he were my son.

That's wonderful of them to build a playground in his honor.

[deenass]

Jeanne,

may I recommend the book Accidental Courage, Boundless Dreams. It is the true story of a family who lost their infant son to Spinal Muscular Atrophy and built a playground (accessible for all children regardless of their abilities) in his memory. His mother went on to found Boundless Playgrounds, a non-profit group that works with communities building accessible playgrounds.

If I sound like a commercial for the book, I live in the town where the original playground was built and know the family personally. It's a very moving account of how tragedy can motivate a family to change the world for others.

[trumansmom]

I did. I've already called the guy who did the site at his home and it will be fixed first thing in the morning. He did the headers and had his assistant type in the text. She's going to be in deep poo in the morning. :(

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

Jeanne, I have literally been thinking of that child every day since you told us about him. The thing I have been wondering most is did he have any siblings? What a wonderful memorial to a sweet little boy.

Susan

#1 Nick 11-18-04
#2 Kate 04-26-06

[sidmand]

What a wonderful tribute to their son. I can't imagine having the grace to do such things for the community in your own time of grief, but they sound like amazing people.

Debbie
http://b2.lilypie.com/BI7Tm5.png

[trumansmom]

No, he was an only child. His parents a little older (almost as old as you and me!), and he was born 11 months after they got married. I don't know if the plan ever was to have any more or not.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[trumansmom]

I used to live a few blocks from one of their playgrounds, but didn't know it until now. It was wonderful to see children with such a variety of abilities laughing and playing there.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm always so moved and amazed when tragedy brings out greatness in people. Wow.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[dules]

I sent a little PayPal, but the recipient was listed as unverified with a (0) so I hope it gets to the right place. :(

I am amazed by the strength of his family, friends and community.

Best,
Mary

[lisams]

It simply amazes me that his parents are giving their energy and time to an entire community as they grieve the loss of their precious son.

It numbs me when I think of the first time I heard about this poor little boy's death. I think of him often, and pray for those that love and miss him so.

[janeybwild]

Thank you for sharing this link. It was truly moving. What an amazing couple, I am in awe of their strength. Glad to hear that Truman is coping well. You too.

[karolyp]

Thanks for the update. His parents strength is beyond words and it is nice to put a face with a name.

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

OH no, for some reason I was really hoping they had another child to maybe help get them through this.
Susan

#1 Nick 11-18-04
#2 Kate 04-26-06

[mudder17]

Thank you for your update. His parents are amazing people, reaching out to their community and to others in their time of grief. I'm glad Truman is coping well, too. The playground will be a good way for him to remember his friend. Hugs to you, too Jeanne!

Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 28 months...
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_-6_Kaya+is.png
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev317pp___.png
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah

[Rachels]

OMG, he was beautiful.

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg


"When you know better, you do better."
Maya

[Rachels]

One more thing: Jeanne, any chance of getting them to set up a paypal link?

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg


"When you know better, you do better."
Maya

[trumansmom]

Good question. I don't know why there isn't one. I'll ask the web guy tomorrow.

And he was a truly beautiful kid. Gorgeous blue eyes!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[lmintzer]

Wow, Jeanne. I just teared up again seeing Masyn and looking at the site. His parents have unbelieable courage and such big hearts.

I think of him and also your Truman often.

[mamato1]

Thanks so much for the update. I am awed by the strength of Masyn's parents. What an amazing tribute to him. It warms my heart to imagine those happy eyes and that sweet grin smiling down from Heaven.

Chris

Mama to Brendan (aka Boomer) 01/16/04


http://b3.lilypie.com/FnI6m5/.png

[Jenn98]

Thanks so much for the update. It's because of Masyn's death that I have a strict rule of no making DD laugh during meal times. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[almostamom]

What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful boy. May his parents find peace at this playground. Bless them for having the strength and grace to provide such an incredible gift to your community.

~Linda~
http://lilypie.com/pic/060427/fDdc.jpg http://b2.lilypie.com/qW3mm7.png

[MarisaSF]

Thank you, Jeanne, for the update and for giving us the opportunity to contribute to the playground. I've thought about Masyn's family and yours a lot since his death. I love the idea of his spirit living on in the playground. Give your kids a little push on the swings from Jazz and me, k?

[trumansmom]

Will do. :) We think the playground will be in place by the end of summer. I'll post pics (or email someone who knows how to do it and have them do it for me) and post them.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[trumansmom]

Thanks, Mary. I think they may have opened a Paypal account just for this, so I doubt it would be verified yet.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[MarisaSF]

I'd be happy to post the pics for you, silly goose.
Paypal is on it's way. :)

[trumansmom]

Hee hee, and I thought I was being subtle. :)

Thanks for the contribution.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[HannaAddict]

Jeanne,

What a wonderful, precious little boy. My heart breaks all over again for his parents. I am really touched by what they are doing. I am just so sorry for them and you and your son and all of Masyn's friends and family. It just isn't fair.

Kimberly

[barbarhow]

What a beautiful tribute to Masyn. I continue to be amazed at their grace and strength. Amazing how some can be so giving in a time of huge loss. What a beautiful example they have set for others and what an amazing way to help soothe their grief. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03, a Red Sox fan
and Anna 5/12/05, my little Yankee fan!

[zuzu]

Thanks for sharing this with us, Jeanne. What a great tribute to a beautiful boy! I love seeing how the community has come together to support his family and make one of Masyn's big dreams come true.

[Melanie]

Jeanne, thank you again for sharing Masyn with us.

[JElaineB]

I'm amazed by the strength of Masyn's parents, to be doing this for the community. I hope the playground will be a nice setting for Truman and Masyn's other friends to remember him by as well.

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[BarbieSmith]

I emailed his name to family and friends and already 2 people I know of have contributed small amounts :) Everyone is moved by the website!

http://lilypie.com/pic/060616/jxZr.jpg http://b2.lilypie.com/Hz6Zm4.png

www.SmithAngels.com - we want to adopt again! :)

[trumansmom]

That was so thoughtful! Thanks!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[Saccade]

That would be great (a PP link). Thanks for posting this.

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/squsqutdg20050713_-8_DS+is.png

[FONT COLOR="#006600"]Come get wild and wooly with us!
http://s14.invisionfree.com/BBB_Knitters/index.php?act=idx[FONT]