Jamie shared her daughters story with the world, something that could not have been easy. But because of her bravery their story has saved countless children's lives due to the knowledge they have spread about T1D and it's symptoms. One day they will find out exactly why Heavenly Father called their sweet Kycie home so early in her life, I'm sure it was for something very special. At age 5 this little girl left an impact on the world. She is a fighter who was deeply loved. The good she did here on earth probably doesn't even compare to the good she is doing in Heaven.
Here is Jamie's story (written by her husband, Josh Terry)...
Jamie Terry, a
mother living her dream until it became her nightmare. Caring for
her daughter, Kycie, the beginning of 2015 pushed Jamie to the very
edge of despair and darkness. However, despite insurmountable odds,
both mother and daughter rose above the mist of darkness and embraced
the light of Christ.
Jamie has been
happily married to her husband, Josh, for 14 years. Parents of 5
busy boys, ages 13 years old to 18 months old, and one little girl,
Kycie, who recently celebrated her 5th birthday.
With a full calendar
of basketball games, piano, choir, scouts and church activities with
her boys, Jamie was excited that her only girl was old enough to
compete in her first cheerleading competition in early January. A
few weeks later Jamie found herself begging her Heavenly Father to
let Kycie survive from her injuries. On January 30th,
Kycie was diagnosed type 1 diabetic and in critical condition. She
was life-flighted 310 miles north to Primary Children’s Hospital
where en route Kycie suffered two seizures and ultimately a severe
traumatic brain injury due to excessive swelling.
Kycie’s prognosis
was grim, with the doctors giving her little to no chance of
survival. If she did survive, she would be severely handicapped due
to the extensive brain damage. Jamie put her faith in God and her
trust in family to help through the next 111 days in the hospital.
Kycie surpassed expectations and survived, but she couldn’t walk,
couldn’t talk, couldn’t eat and showed very little purposeful
movement. She was admitted into an inpatient rehabilitation unit to
try and relearn everything she so quickly lost.
Jamie only left
Kycie’s side if her husband were there to care for her.
Experiencing immense feelings of guilt for leaving her five boys to
save her one girl, Jamie vowed to never leave Kycie alone. Each day
began and ended with a prayer for small but specific requests.
Please help Kycie open her eyes. Please help Kycie wiggle her toes.
Please help Kycie swallow better. After the prayer it was time for
Jamie to wipe the dust off her knees and go to work. Hour after hour
and day after day, Jamie could be found cheering Kycie through tears
and pain. Pushing Kycie to her physical limit and beyond. Jamie
never broke down during therapy sessions, but behind closed doors she
humbly sobbed for her lost and broken little girl. She cried for
missing her boy’s birthday party and playoff games. She wept and
longed for the comforting embrace of her husband.
The hard work and
dedication paid off. After 4 months of being in the hospital, Kycie
was well enough to be released home. Still unable to walk, talk or
feed herself, Kycie showed glimpses of her old self by rolling over,
touching her nose on command and holding herself up in sitting
position. Jamie hadn’t taken a single day for granted. Not just
loving and holding her sweet girl, but Jamie was busy learning all
about diabetes and traumatic brain injuries. She learned how to mix
Kycie’s medicine. She learned skills in occupational, physical and
speech therapy. With over four months of training, the thought of
leaving the security of a hospital and coming home to the welcoming
arms of her family was both terrifying and exciting.
Home life proved to
be challenging and very time intensive. Kycie required care 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. She could never be left alone. Of course she
had her moments, but this mother of 6 kept it together. With the
help of neighbors, family and complete strangers, Jamie balanced
daily feeding, therapy and the constant battle of controlling Kycie’s
blood sugar. In addition, she organized summer activities for her 5
boys, kept up the laundry and still had time to do up Kycie’s hair
nice and cute.
Jamie knows that the
path God has set forth is not always the path we would choose. On
July 11th, 2015, Kycie passed away in her father’s arms
and with Jamie by her side in the comforts of their own home.
Although not an easy decision in the beginning, Jamie was so thankful
for the time she spent with Kycie in the hospital. With a firm
testimony in Jesus Christ, Jamie has mourned the loss of her daughter
while being an advocate for type 1 diabetes. She focuses her time on
her husband and 5 boys while celebrating the lives that Kycie changed
and even saved. Although wounded, this mother stands victorious upon
the rock of Christ.
This story and pictures were also featured on the Beauty Revived blog and in the Beauty Revived magazine. It was part of the 50 Most Beautiful Women series and Jamie represented the state of Utah. You can purchase the hard copy of a digital version here, http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/998580
