Precious time cherished

FLY FREE: Family friends from a TradeMe message board organised various balloon release ceremonies around the country in Te Awamutu (above) Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Invercargill last Friday to coincide with Kory’s funeral. TC020908DT01

BY DEAN TAYLOR

Two weeks ago today one simple and flukish event changed a family’s life forever. Alison Downie-Boyte was on her way to pick up her son Kory from Kids To Five daycare centre when she got the news that every parent dreads.

Kory had choked while eating a piece of apple. It was serious. Mrs Downie-Boyte rushed to be with her youngest son. She said as soon as she saw him at daycare she knew they were going to lose him, although the couple never lost hope until the end.

Husband Carl was already rushing home from Stratford where he was working. He arrived at Waikato Hospital with just minutes to spare before continuing his drive to Auckland’s Starship Hospital.

Kory was flown to the specialist children’s hospital but on the Sunday they knew his time had come and Kory passed away. The couple had lost their precious son, and Keegan (10) and Benjamin (5) had lost their little brother.

Out of the misery had come some consolation. The couple are full of praise for Te Awamutu daycare and St John Ambulance
staff who responded immediately and worked so hard to save Kory’s life. They say their efforts, and those of professionals at Waikato and Starship Hospitals gave them four irreplaceable days to say goodbye to their son.

In the days that have followed the love and support that has surrounded the family has been overwhelming. Mrs Downie-Boyte says parents who have also lost a child, many through choking, have come forward and been there if they were needed. She says for many, sharing their story has also helped them in their grief recovery.

What the couple quickly realised is not everyone gets that chance to say goodbye. For many the end is too quick. Again at Kory’s funeral last Friday the support was overwhelming. Alison, Carl and Benjamin spoke at the funeral and could see and feel the extent of the love around them. That has continued into the following week as the couple try to continue their lives as best as possible.

Mrs Downie-Boyte, her sisters and mother shared a ‘rehabilitation’ session on Monday — they all had the same ‘K’ tattoo done. Mr Boyte says he still feels as if he is in the middle of a very bad dream and hopes that he will wake up soon. Meanwhile they have put other plans on hold until they are in the right frame of mind to reassess their lives.

Mr Boyte explains that he has been working in Taranaki while his wife is studying in Hamilton. They recently bought a new house in Taranaki, but are not now planning to leave town any time soon.

‘‘We’ll take it day-byday,’’ says Mr Boyte.

The couple now fully appreciate how a small town like Te Awamutu looks after its own in times of need. And they have two other equally important children to think about.

Both boys returned to school this week and they have been well looked after by their mates. They both celebrate birthdays in the coming weeks and their parents want them to have the good times they deserve.

‘‘If we have learnt anything from this it is don’t take your kids for granted,’’ says Mrs Downie-Boyte. ‘‘They are the most precious thing in your life. Cherish them.’’