Dear Editor, Mason is a 10-year-old who at three weeks of age was diagnosed with meningitis, which left him with spastic quadriplegia and severe developmental delays. At the age of 18 months, he was again fighting for his life when he suffered from Stephen Johnson Syndrome; he then had a stroke and started having seizures. In November 2011, Mason was granted a wish from the Rainbow Society of Alberta to visit his Nan and Pop Osbourne in Seal Cove, and to meet his sister Rebecca, his great-grandparents, his aunts, uncles and cousins for the first time. This trip was supposed to happen during Christmas, but again in December Mason became hospitalized after having an adverse reaction to a Botox injection, which was supposed to help the spasticity in his leg. This was Mason's 10th stay in hospital, and the only one that Nan Osbourne was not present for, so she returned to Alberta to be with him. He stopped eating and drinking and lost a great deal of weight, However, being the fighter that he is, he recovered and made the trip to NL on January 18th, accompanied by his mom Jody, his younger brother Dawson and his caretaker Wanda. Once you look beyond his disability, you'll find a very handsome, happy little boy who adores his mom, Dawson and his nan and pop. He absolutely loves Barney, the big purple dinosaur. A party to welcome Mason and his family was held at St. Swithin's Hall in Seal Cove, and attended by over 80 people. Mason was treated with a surprise visit from Barney, who was accompanied by Mason's great-aunt Yvonne Lacey from Paradise. It is very rare to hear of a wish granted to visit Newfoundland, but the family of Mason is so grateful to the Rainbow Society of Alberta for allowing this to happen. Mason was due to return to Lloydminster on January 28th, but all flights out of Deer Lake were cancelled due to a snowstorm, giving the boys a couple of extra days with their family. Family and friends were honoured to have met this little boy, and will look forward to a summer visit in the near future.   Submitted By: NULL