Mason Andrew Jenkins

Mason Andrew Jenkins Mason Andrew Jenkins, three year old son of Eddie and Becky Jenkins, began his eternal walk with God on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, having passed away at Duke University Hospital in Durham, N. C. hospital following a battle with a disease that he has had since birth. A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007 at the Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave. So., Nampa. A private family interment will precede the memorial service at the Kuna Cemetery. The family will greet loved ones and friends at the Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. So., Nampa, 466-3545 on Monday evening from 6 - 8 p.m. All are invited for a time of fellowship immediately following the memorial service at the New Hope Baptist Church, 1829 W. Iowa Ave., Nampa. Mason Andrew Jenkins was welcomed into this world on Aug. 27, 2004 by parents Eddie and Becky Jenkins of Kuna, Idaho. Mason you were our heavenly gift for three precious years and left our care to be in the loving care of Jesus' arms Oct. 16, 2007. You were welcomed with all the family surrounding you while big Sissy, Jazzy held you tight telling everyone "My baby". From the moment you were here you could light up a room with your big beautiful eyes and mischievous smile. Your big belly laugh was infectious by anyone who heard it although Daddy was the only one who could really get it out of you. Our hearts were broken when we found at your six month well baby check up that you had a rare genetic disorder called Hurler Syndrome. We were told that there was no cure for Hurler Syndrome, but a cord blood transplant could help save your life. We knew that you were a very special little boy who was going to take us on a very special journey. So we packed our bags and headed to Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C. over 2500 miles from your home and family and friends. We weren't sure what the future held for you, but we were certain that you were in God's care and that He is faithful and we could endure it. Beginning May 2005 you underwent several surgeries at Duke. You endured countless tests and procedures including patching a hole in your heart. You finally received your transplant on Oct. 21, 2005. In the meantime you captured the hearts of all the nurses and soon had everyone wrapped around your chubby little fingers. You loved to blow kisses and "raise the roof" to ham it up for everyone. You were a little superstar at the hospital and loved all the attention you got. In fact you loved it so much, you never wanted to leave. We had hoped to bring you home to Idaho only after eight months of treatment, but two and a half years later you were still wanting to visit all of your new found girlfriends at Duke. You endured several complications due to the transplant, but through it all you maintained your spunky, endearing personality. You loved watching and giggling to the Wiggles and Elmo. You spent countless hours playing with play dough and coloring in your coloring books. You especially loved trying to snuggle with Sissy as she squeezed you tight and calling you "Bubby" You loved your wrestle time with Daddy and laughed the hardest when he would give you tickles. You always asked to snuggle which Mommy loved while smothering your chubby cheeks with kisses. You continued to live, laugh and play as if you were on a mission to light up the world with your unique personality. You were only three but taught us lessons only learned in a lifetime. Each day we learned more about God's grace as He sustained us through the tough days with you and we experienced God's blessings as we celebrated the good days with you. You taught us the power of prayer even from those whom you've never met. You were lifted up in prayer by so many who loved you and had never met you. You taught us to seize every moment as each day is so precious and truly a gift from God. You taught us to love and to endure. You were our little light that shined regardless of what your were enduring. You left our care with your family showering you with love to go and be in your new glorified body free from your disease. Our prayer is that our sweet Mason's light will continue to shine on for those who loved him and knew him. Thank you Jesus for restoring him and taking him into your arms where we know he is greatly loved. We love you so much Bubby! Mason is survived by and loved by: Parents Eddie and Becky Jenkins and big sister, Jazzy. And survived and loved by grandparents Judy Calhoun of Boise, Wade and Donna Gibbons of Kuna and Jim and Sheri Russell of Kuna and Ed and Cindy Jenkins of Parma. Family and friends may contribute to a fund to help defray medical expenses for Mason in care of Jim Russell, 452 Main Street, Kuna, Idaho 83634.