[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO EDWARD AND DOLLY MASON

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2001

  Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
Edward and Dolly Mason, and to honor the memory of their son, Eddie. On 
March 10, 1999 Eddie Mason died of a sudden and unexpected heart 
attack. The death of their son, less than three weeks before his 
nineteenth birthday, was a bitter and heart wrenching tragedy for the 
Masons. I know the Mason family; it has been personally painful for me 
to witness their struggle to cope with such an inconsolable loss.
  Eddie Mason was a vibrant young man who embraced life; one who sought 
the opportunities presented each day. At the age of fifteen, he was 
diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia, a degenerative neurological disease 
that impairs muscular function throughout the body. His condition, 
however, was not life-threatening. Indeed, Eddie's passion for athletic 
endeavors was unquenchable. From an early age, Eddie was an avid 
participant in soccer, baseball, football, and wrestling; he also 
pursued karate, achieving the rank of Green Belt after eight years of 
training. Yet, Eddie's excellent physical conditioning offered no 
protection against the deadly symptoms of his disease.
  The Masons' grief for their son will never be completely assuaged. Ed 
and Dolly, however, hoped to preserve Eddie's memory at the community 
church their family has attended for many years. Accordingly, twelve 
months ago, the Mason family resolved to construct the tower that now 
stands between the sanctuary and rectory of St. Luke's Church in 
Edgemere, Maryland. I was honored to be present at the ground breaking 
ceremony held on March 27, 2001, the twenty-first anniversary of 
Eddie's birth. Seeing such familial devotion and community support is 
something I will not soon forget.
  On Sunday, October 14, at St. Luke's Church, a thirty-five-foot bell 
tower, the home of ``Eddie's Bell,'' was officially blessed. In the 
presence of over 350 neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens, the 
Masons' tribute to their son was consecrated, and ``Eddie's Bell'' rung 
for the first time.
  Friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers have helped sustain 
the Masons since the terrible event of March 10, 1999. Yet, the newly 
created monument was not a community effort. The money and time 
required for the bell tower were invested solely by Ed and Dolly Mason. 
``Eddie's Bell'' was a gift from ``Mom and Dad' to the son they love so 
much.
  The bell tower has become a centerpiece of St. Luke's Church. Each 
day the bell is rung at noon and six p.m.--its bold notes call members 
to worship before each weekend mass. The bell's toll can be heard up to 
two miles away, a range which includes the Mason home. I sincerely hope 
that Ed and Dolly will take comfort in the notes of ``Eddie's Bell,'' 
knowing that all the love and devotion they feet for their son has been 
given musical form.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the Mason family in Maryland's 
Second Congressional District, and I ask that my colleagues join me in 
offering them our deepest condolences for their loss, congratulations 
on their dedication to family and community, and our very best wishes 
for the future.

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