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As many of you know, the past few days have been very rough on many of those dearest to me. Mason Samborski, a graduate of the Brighton High School class of 1998, a Michigan State alumnus, an officer with the Oak Park, MI police department, and most notably a devoted husband, father, and dear friend was shot and killed in the line of duty during the early morning hours on Sunday, December 28th.
You can read about the particulars of the incident here:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812300377 Mason was one of my brother's very best friends and a part of my extended family. As a kid he was always hanging out at our house, and that didn't change much as he grew. He loved my mom's cooking, so my best memories of Mason are of us sitting around the kitchen just eating, drinking, laughing and relaxing. Mason was always easy to talk to. He was smart and remarkably kind; a sincerely happy person. When he smiled, you could see it in his eyes. And he always saved his best smiles for when he talked about his family.
He absolutely adored his wife and baby daughter. He and his wife Sarah were high school sweethearts, college sweethearts.. really lifelong sweethearts. His face lit up when he talked about her. They had really something special, and when Madeline was born he was absolutely over the moon. My heart is broken for his family; for Sarah who has lost the love of her life and for their daughter, who will never know first-hand, her genuine, funny, devoted, wonderful dad.
A fund has been established to help Mason's family. If you are able, please make a contribution.
The Mason Samborski Memorial Fund
13600 Oak Park BLVD
Oak Park, MI 48237
If you are unable to donate but would like to extend your sympathies to the Samborski family, you can find the information to by visiting
http://www.facebook.com/home.php/event.php?eid=41599947292 I hope as we enter this new year that you remember Mason and his family. On behalf of those who loved Mason, I thank you for your help.
My love and best wishes to you all for a safe, healthy, and happy 2009.
- Lauren