“As I sit in Heaven And watch you everyday, I try to let you know with signs I never went away. I hear you when you’re laughing, And watch you as you sleep. I even place my arms around you To calm you as you weep. I see you wish the days away, Begging to have me home. So I try to send you signs So you know you are not alone. Don’t feel guilty that you have Life that was denied to me. Heaven is truly beautiful, Just you wait and see. So live your life, laugh again, Enjoy yourself, be free. Then I know with Every breath you take You’ll be taking one for me.
Life story
Mason J. Bernabe, 18, of Loves Park, IL, passed away suddenly, Saturday morning, September 16, 2023. He was born June 30, 2005 in Rockford, IL, the son of Ryan and Erika (Keller) Bernabe. Mason graduated from Harlem High School, class of 2023. He enjoyed playing football, wrestling, baseball and golf throughout his high school years. Mason was passionate about snowboarding, fishing, working on his car in his spare time, and spending time with family and friends. Mason was an outgoing, charismatic, kind, energetic young man. The most polite kid you could ever know. Although young, he accomplished so much in his short time and touched the lives of so many others.
Mason is loved and missed by his parents, Ryan Bernabe and Erika Bernabe; brother, Parker Bernabe; grandparents, Joanne and Eliborio Galdean and Paula Keller; aunts, Petra Bernabe, Angela Manriquez, Abby Keller and Erin Keller; uncles, Lane Hribal and Chuck Keller; numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Kevin Keller and cousin Laci Matthews.
Before, all the small details of life went unnoticed. Now, it feels like every little thing is a message. I feel your warmth in every breeze, your beauty in every sunset, your presence in everything (butterflies, birds, trees, wind, etc.), and so much more. Things that were once so ordinary have become so meaningful.
Mason has a kind soul and a laugh that made you smile on your worst days. He gave the best advice, always honest, thoughtful, and exactly what I needed to hear. Somehow he always had the answer. I often find myself wishing I could ask him things now.
He was taken too soon, but the love he gave and the ways he impacted and made people feel continue to live on.
Happy Birthday, Mason. You are missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.
With love always,
Alise
We celebrated Levi's 8th birthday Yesterday. As happy as I was to see Levi smile at his party full of friends and family I couldn't help but feel an emptiness knowing it was his first birthday with you. Today marks one year since the last time I saw you. The last hug, the last "love you aunties" The last goodbye. I'd give anything for one more.
happy birthday in heaven mason. forever missing that smile and laugh of yours. i wish you were here to party with us but i know you’re probably partying harder up there. celebrating you day by day. love you always❤️
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had
If I could re-live yesterday
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
I love listening to this video and listening to Mason’s laugh. I’ll never let this precious laugh be forgotten ❤️
(In this video my braces were stuck to his shirt and instead of helping me, he pulled out his phone and started recording!)
angela manriquezTy for sharing your memory and video! Felt so good to hear his laugh!
JC
Jordyn Cooper127w
For Life
Mason has been my funniest friend since 5th grade, always messing around and never being serious. The Bernabe’s are a fun family to surround yourself with, I love you forever Mason James 💚
Mbboarding
