Candid with Keri Taylor

I will never forget sitting about five rows to the right of Keri in our church auditorium front row, where she and her husband had their hands held high, worshipping with tears streaming down her face; and right before them, a closed casket, lay Rylee, their beloved daughter.

 The 1,000-seat auditorium was filled with a powerful mix of worship and sorrow, and like many others, I felt a deep connection to Rylee. As a mother, the weight of this loss struck me harder than I ever anticipated. Seeing Keri, radiating peace and hope surrounded by friends and peers, profoundly impacted me. How could a mother, who had just said her final goodbye to her precious little girl, appear so strong?

I had known Keri for years; our daughters played softball together, and we attended church events and shared time at Bible study sessions. These connections helped us bond on a deeper level, and my affection for her grew, especially when she mentioned that Rylee needed to see the doctor in January of that year. I truly believe that finding a sisterhood at church, where you can pray together, is vital to avoid feeling isolated in your prayers. I honestly feel that God led me to sit with her before her life changed completely.

Months passed amidst the chaos of shock and heartbreak of Rylee’s death, and I felt the pressing need to reach out to Keri on a more personal level. To be honest, I was afraid. I was not familiar with those walking in grief. But I could not ignore this conviction. . Despite my worry, it was easy after the first initial text. My heart was happy to be connected; It began a journey where we found ourselves in conversation, exercising in a warm pool with a group of older women, followed by talks in the hot tub. I mostly listened, wanting her to feel safe sharing her feelings without fear of judgment—she truly had my heart.

It struck me deeply that I had never walked alongside someone who had experienced such profound loss. With our daughters being the same age, it hit particularly hard, but I yearned to understand how to communicate with Keri and support her in the ways the Holy Spirit could guide me. I felt compelled to share her story one day, never imagining that I would reach thousands each month with her grief journey through The Daily Faith Magazine. It became clear to me that God works in marvelous ways when we are willing to trust Him and act on our callings.

Now, six years later, Keri is a dear friend. Her journey through grief is both commendable and inspiring, though I don’t think she realizes just how much of an impact she has had on those around her, including me. Good news: Keri is blessed to have a strong support system, including her husband Jason, her son Jase, and her grandson Mase. With the love of her family and close friends, she has never had to face this journey alone.

Pictured from left to right; Myself, Keri and Destiny at Live Like Rylee Event

On April 9, 2019, Rylee bravely faced a very short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, leaving behind a legacy of strength. While pregnant, she gave birth to Mase at 29 weeks to initiate treatment. Tragically, a couple of weeks later, she passed away. Rylee embodied a spirit that was funny, energetic, outgoing, and athletic. She was a beautiful leader, a loyal friend, a loving sister, a cherished daughter, and a true warrior of faith.

Rylee Taylor 2/10/98 – 4/9/2019

“Those we love and lose remain forever intertwined in the tapestry of our lives.” The Daily Daughter

Mase just turned 6 on March 16. He is an outgoing, smart, and sweet young boy. We love you.

As we search and hold onto Keri’s heartfelt words, my hope is that you, dear reader, discover a sense of peace, healing, and clarity. May you feel acknowledged and understood in your journey and find ways to support and walk alongside those who are grieving. Your compassion can make a profound difference in their lives.

Let’s start with a very special memory of Rylee. Keri can you share how Rylee was bold in her faith?

Rylee was incredibly bold in her faith. I’ll always remember how she shared Jesus with others, whether it was on stage or one-on-one. Even in the hospital, when she faced her diagnosis, she continued to praise Jesus despite her fears. She was fearless and had something to say. It was inspiring.

That’s truly inspiring. Following Rylee’s passing, you mentioned starting the Live Like Rylee Foundation. Can you tell us more about its mission?

We felt led to start the Live Like Rylee Foundation shortly after losing Rylee. We partnered with local churches to send youth who cannot afford it to church camps. Rylee was saved at 9 and truly met Jesus at 17 while at church camp. We believe that many youth have experienced life-changing things at camp. Additionally, we support families dealing with medical hardships in the Permian Basin. Our primary goal is to honor God by spreading His love, grace, and mercy, particularly through Rylee’s legacy.

For more information with Live Like Rylee Foundation, follow, www.livelikerylee.org

Acts:20:24

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

It is a wonderful way to honor her memory giving back in the best way you know how. Taking a broken heart in carrying out her legacy has so much purpose. How has your faith changed since her passing?

Since Rylee’s passing, my faith in and love for Jesus have deepened significantly. I view life and God differently now. I’ve felt His presence, love, and grace more than ever. I rely on Him to help me through this loss, and I’ve grown excited about Heaven—not just to see Rylee again but to see Jesus first. My prayer is to focus on seeing Jesus first, and then I imagine Rylee jumping out from behind to say, “Hey, Momma, I’ve been waiting for you.”

Keri, that’s a beautiful prayer. 

As a mom of 3 and your friend, reading these words gripped my heart. You are so strong and honest. I appreciate your candidacy.

In navigating grief, who has supported you through this journey?

My husband is my primary support system, but I also have close family and friends who walk alongside me daily. They sit with me, listen, and cry with me, understanding my emotional ups and downs. It’s not easy for them to be with someone grieving a child, and I’m forever grateful for those who choose to walk through this with me, even after six years. My church family has also been a significant source of support.

That is comforting to hear, community is so valuable.

I believe having faith is vital for our mental and physical health. How would you describe the role Jesus plays in your healing process?

Jesus plays a central role in my healing. He heals me little by little each day, surrounding me with loving people. I know I may never be completely healed from the heartache of losing Rylee, but I’m at peace with that. As long as I have Jesus and the Holy Spirit walking with me, I’m confident that I will make it through.

(My downtime is spent reading Rylee’s Bible she left behind. It brings me comfort and hope. -Keri)

I experience good days and bad days, with moments that fluctuate. On particularly heavy days, I pray for God to lift that weight. Then, I often turn on worship music. Sometimes, He lifts the heaviness quickly; other times, it takes longer, but He always comes through.

“I still keep Rylee’s room exactly as she left it, with all her belongings in place. For me, finding comfort in having her things around is essential. It may not always be this way, but for now, this is my norm.”

When you find yourself sitting in your daughter’s room, surrounded by the memories of how she had it before she passed away, can you share your momma’s heart from the first year to now?

The first year of grief felt foggy and surreal, almost like I was questioning if she was really gone. Just getting through each day was difficult, especially while taking care of a baby. I had to get out of bed every day; Mase needed me, and so did Jase, not to mention Jason. I couldn’t just lay in bed all day—I had responsibilities. Those heavy days made it tough to keep going and function.

I think the second year was even tougher. The reality of her absence sank in more deeply, and people began to stop calling or checking in. Most assumed I was fine since “it has been a year now,” and I should be better. Now that it has been six years, those heavy days are less frequent. I still experience them, but as the calendar keeps turning, I find myself further away from the last time I saw her beautiful face, held her hand, felt her touch, smelled her scent, and heard her raspy voice say, “I love you, Momma.” 

Time doesn’t always heal. I am healing little by little, but I know I will never be completely healed on this side of heaven, and I am okay with that as long as I have Jesus. He helps me through those heavy days when sadness overtakes me. 

During those challenging times, I pray for Him to take the heaviness away, and I play worship music to honor Him. Sometimes, that heaviness lifts within hours, and other times, it may linger until the next day. Yet, He always lifts my burden; He gives me hope and joy. 

Your words come from a place of weight. Thank you for your bravery with these impactful responses, I know it will be seed of faith for someone out there.

What advice would you give to someone who has experienced a similar loss?

When Rylee first passed, I felt upset, hurt, and frustrated that the world around me continued as my world stopped and shattered, which I understand now how normal it is to feel. I would add that with Jesus, trust him, walk with him, and talk to him. Have hope in Him. Also, reach out to someone who has experienced this type of loss. If anyone wants to reach out to me, I’m more than willing to listen and help in any way I can. 

This is beautiful, Keri.

Furthermore, would you share how important it is to acknowledge those of us on the outside can sometimes be insensitive to those who are grieving? What advice would you give to someone reading this article on how to approach and what to say or avoid saying when someone is grieving the loss of a child?

When speaking with someone who has just lost a child, especially if you have not experienced that type of loss yourself, my advice is to keep it simple. You can say, “I am so sorry. I’m sorry you are going through this. I love you, and I’m praying for you.” Sometimes, a heartfelt hug is all that’s needed.

These 4 things helped me see perspective and empathy for someone else.

1. Please do not compare your past loss (unless it involved a child) to the loss of their child. 

2. Avoid saying, “I know how you feel,” because if you haven’t lost a child, you truly do not know how they feel.

3. Refrain from saying, “God needed them more,” or “Time heals all wounds.”

4. I also wouldn’t say, “They are in a better place,” because I may not know their relationship with Christ, and they might interpret that differently. Personally, I find comfort in knowing that there is no better place than being with Jesus. Rylee is living her best life in His presence.

There should be no judgment in grief; there are no rules, and everyone grieves differently depending on the situation and how someone died. Some people may feel bitter, angry, and stuck under the heaviness of losing a child. The way individuals respond to grief will vary, so we must approach them with grace, compassion, and empathy.

I do not carry anger or bitterness, but I do carry sadness and heaviness at times—emotions I know I will always live with for the rest of my life. There will always be a sadness within me that yearns for her and misses her.

I truly appreciate your openness and for sharing your heart with us. Your incredible faith and strength in the face of adversity are nothing short of inspiring.

If you could offer one more piece of advice to those navigating the painful journey of loss, what would it be?

My advice to anyone dealing with loss is to cling to Jesus. Be honest with Him; He can handle our anger, doubts, disappointments, and frustrations. Let your spirit groan to Him even when you don’t know what to say or how to pray. Trust in Jesus and depend on Him daily.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”