Remembering Lacey Jamieson

You always think that you have a limited number of days left on this cruel Earth to make a mark on this world, change the lives of people, find a cure for some horrible disease or maybe even win a Nobel Prize. But, one of the most amazing and beautiful girls, never made it to graduation. Never got to walk down the aisle, or become a surgeon. But let me tell you, she saved and touched more lives in her limited number of days, than any 16-year-old ever had. This is dedicated to Lacey and her incredibly strong family.

On January 24th 1997, Doug and Diana Jamieson brought a legend into the world. Over her short 16 years of life on earth, she has and still continues to inspire over 100,000 people every day, by just being herself. How many times have you heard someone say "Hey, I've inspired over 100,000 people by just doing what I love and being myself?" Not many, I bet. Lacey has changed the lives of so many people with her lovely horses- Forrest, Gemini and Bianca (Bonkers). When Lacey posted a new picture or video on Instagram, you could always see how happy she was, how excited she was. Just seeing her doing such amazing things and loving every minute of it, made us look up to her more and more. She was truly something special.

Lacey always found new tricks to do with her horses every time she went to the barn. One day she was standing on horses, and the next it was cartwheels off horses. But we can't forget about her love for N Sync and The Backstreet Boys. It was just the little things about Lacey that made her unique, but even through a long and difficult schedule, Lacey still managed to help everyone. Lacey has been known to help people when they were in the darkest parts of life. Including people that have tried to attempt suicide and self harm.

Even though Lacey spent most of her time at the barn, you didn't have to be an equestrian to love her. Her bubbly personality never went unnoticed. She was always so helpful and kind to everyone and told you exactly how everything was if you wanted to hear it or not. Even if it was just a question on homework, you could always count on Lacey to help. She was always that type of person to listen to you and help the best that she could.

Lacey was never sick, so it was a shock to everyone when we found out that she had passed away from such a rare disease known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH are cells in the immune system that everyone has, but rarely activated. Principally, T cells and NK cells don't work properly to destroy infected or damaged cells as they should. Because of this, the immune system becomes overstimulated and over-activated which damages tissues, organs, the liver, and even the brain. HLH took a life so quick and so quiet, that not even a person with perfect 20/20 vision could have seen a tragedy forming.

Lacey first went to the doctor to find out she had mono. As she continued to feel worse and worse, the doctors kept saying it was just her mono and to rest. Clearly, It wasn't just "mono". Before any of the doctors knew what really was wrong, it was too late.

After a while that day, the news of Lacey's passing spread like wildfire all over the world. Many were devastated and shocked, but no one knew the pain and suffering her true friends and family were feeling. Support was coming in everywhere to Lacey's family constantly and I can bet it was a little overwhelming.

Doug and Diana Jamieson (Lacey's parents) made the decision to continue Lacey's Instagram account. I don't know how or why they did but I can tell you this, I cannot and will not ever be able to thank the Jamieson's enough for doing what they do for complete strangers. They have been the strongest people by trying their best to talk to all of Lacey's friends and fans and sometimes even inviting them up to Canada to ride Lacey's horse Forrest and meet her friends and family.

The people that were lucky enough to go up to Canada said it was an amazing, life-changing trip. They said is was nice to see and live a little bit of Lacey's life and continue her legacy. Kylee Kuhlman said, "I don't even know the words to explain it. It was truly amazing! The Jamieson's are the sweetest people ever. Lacey's friends are truly the best and her barn is 100 times better in person. To this day I still can't believe how blessed I was to get out there and spend time with such amazing people. It was such a unique experience. I can't wipe that smile off your face kinda moment! I had talked with many people over Instagram. It was great! There's so much more, but I can't put it into words. I'm glad Lacey made the impact on my life like she did because I am a better person because of it."

Not too long ago was Lacey's one year of her passing (October 13th). That day was full of silence and beautiful thoughts and memories of Lacey. Jumping Bonk 4 foot 9 inches high with no hands, Forrest jumping his first 3 foot jump and those lovely hacks to Hawks Cliff with Mikayla,Alexis and Tabitha were just a few things going through almost everyone's mind. It is incredible to think that all Lacey thought she was, was just a girl with an iPhone that loved her horses. She was so much more than that.

The 13th of every month of the year is dreaded. A little part of everyone is not with them anymore and they need to acknowledge that. But why can't we make that day full of happiness and memories like Lacey was? Smile because you know you're strong because of your weakness. Work hard so that one day your signature does become an autograph. Express your inner weirdness in a place full of random strangers because who cares what other people think. Accept the fact that you're insane and go with it. That's what Lacey would want. For you to be yourself and live everyday like it was your last.

As crazy as it may sound, I believe Lacey never really left, she's just here in a different way. She sees what we do, hear what we say and listen when we need her. It just makes everything more special because she sees and hears us, but we have to open up our eyes and ears and look closely to see and hear her.

I will really never be able to tell you how much Lacey inspired me and changed my life into the better. But I can tell you that there will never be anyone like Lacey. She was far too special and left this world far too young. I hope one day I can make her proud, just as she did to her friends and family. Lacey may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. Fly high beautiful, keep heaven fabulous.

You're still going to hear me roar.....