Celebrating Mason John Perry
This year, I have come to understand deeper the duality of birth and death. From a spiritual perspective, they are truly two sides of the same coin. Neither can separate our belonging and connection to what is the most powerful: love.
My beloved cousin, Mason John Perry, was born on April 17, 2002 which happened to be my 12th birthday. I remember being thrilled at this news, and so excited to hold him for the first time. He was wrapped up tight, feeling like the perfect birthday gift, just for me. We had a special bond from this very first moment onwards. I adored him and his boisterous spirit and silly personality. He was known for being the family comic, constantly eliciting full-belly laughter from everyone. I have a deep well of memories of hilarious things he has said or done. We celebrated every birthday together at our grandparent’s house where our family would gather every Sunday for dinner.
He was killed suddenly in an accident the night of June 11, 2022. It was the worst phone call I have ever received. A few weeks later, I had a dream that the family was gathered for one of our Sunday dinners. The mood was heavy, and nobody was speaking, until someone pointed to the yard where Mason was jumping up and down on our beloved giant trampoline, making silly faces. Everyone erupted into laughter, and Mason said to us, “this is how I want you to remember me”. He brought us together in laughter and light-heartedness. There is irony in how deeply we are needing his spirited presence and his animated humour during his loss. He is adored as a younger brother to Missy and Nick, and as an uncle to Cooper. He is cherished as a loveable son, cousin, nephew, and friend to many.
The gratitude I have for these memories, for having cousins that enhanced the colour palate of my childhood, has woven itself into my grief process. While I would give anything to have him physically here, I am simultaneously so deeply grateful for our special relationship and the amount of precious time we were given together. Mason has inspired me to slow down, cherish time, and seize any opportunity to laugh.
From Stephanie Blyth