By Stephanie Edwards

When Teresa Terry went into work on July 9, she didn’t know her outlook on life would change within a matter of hours.

Terry, who works at Mr. Storage in Maryville, went into work as usual. When the afternoon rolled around, two men entered the storage building facility.

One of the men said, “It looks like we’re going to get it good,” in regards to a lightening storm that was about to hit.
At this moment, Terry was standing under a metal door frame inside the storage facility building.

“Then, I blacked out. That is the last thing I remember until the paramedics showed up,” Terry said.

The two mystery men called the paramedics, who took Terry to Blount Memorial Hospital.

“I don’t know who those men were or why they were there, but I am very grateful to them,” Terry said.

“Otherwise, I would have been by myself.”

Physicians explained to Terry that she was either struck by lightening or at least in close enough proximity to a lightening strike to be affected by it.

The lightening strike caused her to have a seizure, which resulted in  her biting her lips and tongue.
Terry had to have a total of 13 stitches. One of her teeth flew out of her mouth.

“I have to wait until the swelling goes down to have any dental work done,” Terry said.

Fortunately, Terry did not suffer any permanent injuries. And she is managing to see the positive in a frightening situation.
“My boss has been great about checking on me.

“I am so appreciative to be alive and to know that the Lord spared me. It makes you realize that you can’t take the little things in life like birds and butterflies for granted. I have noticed those things a lot more often now.

“Plus, I am so thankful for my family. They are irreplaceable.”