My Memory with Mason

Mason Hawk was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.He didn't look people in the eye and he didn't talk except through sign language with his family. He now communicates very well, and loves school, basketball, and music. Just this year Mason started taking dance from my mom. For about a year now it has been my dream to one day teach dance to children with autism. Why? I can't even tell you, it just came to me one day. Anyway, you can imagine my excitement when I learned Mason was starting dance. I told my mom, and Mason's mom, Kreslie, that I would love to be Mason's helper in his class if he needed it. Kreslie was thankful and thought that was a great idea. However, the first day of dance class, Mason thrived. He caught on very quickly and obviously did not need any extra help. My mom and I decided he would probably do better with out me. 

A few months later Masons dance class was chosen by my mom to perform in a holiday showcase. As I watched him dance I couldn't help but feel a little sad he didn't need my help in class. I was amazed by his interaction in dance an I really wanted to be a part of it. I mentioned this to my mom and told her that maybe I could perform a dance with Mason sometime. "That would be really special" she said "but when would you perform that." I shrugged my shoulders and didn't give it another thought.

It was literally the next day when Kylie told me that as her platform for Ms. Navajo County Outstanding Teen she was going to be hosting a benefits concert variety show for autism. It was like a tender mercy from God, given to me though Kylie. I texted Kreslie that day and told her to ask Mason for me if he would dance with me to "Don't be Shy" by Cat Stevens. After listening to the song, Mason told his mom, "sure." 

After choreographing with Mason I was surprised when Kreslie told my mom that he doesn't touch people. I knew this was common for kids with autism but Mason and I grabbed hands as we lunged, touched palms as we châsed, and held hands as we dance walked. When Mason dances it is like he escapes in to a whole new world where he sees everything in a whole new light. When I dance with him, I see with that light too.

As the night of the show rolled around I couldn't believe how anxious I was. I was worried that Mason would be nervous. I just wanted him to have the same big smile in front of crowd as he did in rehearsal. Most of all, I wanted the audience to be able to see with that same beautiful light Mason and I could see with as we danced.

Mason and I were last, he doesn't usually like being last but I explained that they were saving the best for the end and he liked that. It was finally our turn. Before the curtain opened I reminded Mason to use the whole stage, smile big, and have fun. The music started and we escaped in to our special world. It wasn't until we hit our final pose and the music stopped that I was brought back into reality. As I looked out in to the big audience, I saw every single person, in almost perfect unison, rise up out of their seats. Tears ran down my cheeks and Mason with his hand held high and pointed toe turned his head to ask me, "Are all those people standing for me?" With a smile I softly replied, "Yes Mason, they are."