No human is a stranger to struggle. At some point, everyone must endure a trying time — and typically, we come out harder, stronger, and better because of it.
But sometimes, life can serve some particularly hard blows. When tragic things happen, it can be difficult to make sense of it all. Questions like, "Why me?" or "How can I survive this?" can be hard to shake.
Then, just when you think you'll never make it through, you read a story that shines a little light in the dark. Another's strength is so inspiring, it lends itself to you and helps you continue your journey.
Terry McCarty's story does just that. When he was accidentally set aflame as a child, he never thought he'd make it through. But years later, he's not only overcome his fears and obstacles, but is helping others overcome theirs as well.
His inspiring story is sure to stay with me for many years to come…
Please SHARE if stories like Terry's give you strength!
When Terry McCarty was just 6 years old, he fell victim to a horrible accident: A bowl of lit kerosene was knocked onto him, engulfing him in flames. More than 70% of his body suffered from third-degree burns.
Terry was immediately put into a medically induced coma for two months. He was hospitalized for a total of 12 months, where the brave little boy endured nearly 60 operations to recover, including many skin grafts.
Terry not only struggled with the seemingly endless medical procedures, but the taunts of classmates. "Freddy Krueger" was one of the cruel nicknames that followed Terry throughout his childhood.
For years, Terry struggled with his confidence — not only because of his appearance, but his perceived incapabilities as well.
"I struggled to find work as an adult as people always told me I was a liability, and I had started to believe it," said Terry. "After the accident, I lived in a constant state of fear and uncertainty."
But at the age of 25, Terry made a brave decision: In order to change his life, he knew he had to embrace his past and face his fears.
In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Terry decided to become a firefighter. "If I could do this," he recalled, "people would realize I could do anything."
After 12 weeks of rigorous training, Terry finally confronted fire for the first time since his accident. "Fear washed right over me, just as the fire had all those years ago," he remembered. "But in the end, I started to realize the fire didn't control me. Why should I let fear take over my life?"
Now, after serving for two years as a local firefighter,Terry works with kids in the Burned Children Recovery program. He hopes to one day soon open his own foundation to support burn victims. "It's going to take a lot of work," said Terry. "But being abl
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