After a lawnmower accident resulted in the amputation of his left foot, Keirsten Marsico’s little son Joey consoled her by telling her that everything will be alright.
“I was crying naturally when he came out of surgery that night, and he just held my head and said, ‘Mommy, what’s wrong?’” Marsico told PEOPLE his story. “I told him, buddy, I’m really sad.”
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Joey, who was only a few weeks away from turning four, was watching his grandfather Mark DeLuca mow the lawn outside their Whitehall, New York, home on Thursday, May 9, when he made a snap decision that put him in danger.
Keirsten talked about her “active little boy,” the youngest of her two children, saying that “he really loves tractors and enjoys helping with the lawn.” “He approached my dad, who was riding the lawnmower, from behind. My dad threw the mower in reverse before my mom could get to him, and everything happened all at once,” she remembered. “The events that led to what happened were a series of events.”
“It’s been tough on all of us, especially my parents who feel absolutely awful,” Keirsten continues. Specifically, my dad is distraught.
The family believes that Mark DeLuca’s quick use of a tourniquet probably saved Joey’s life. After being transported to Boston Children’s Hospital, Joey had many foot procedures before it was decided to amputate.
Despite the difficulties in his recuperation, Joey’s maturity and upbeat attitude have astounded his family and friends, as well as his caregivers and physicians.
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“What a strong little guy,” Keirsten says. At times, conversing with him is like to conversing with a teenager. He has excellent adjustment.
Joey’s father, Joseph, remarks, “He’s always been that way—very understanding, perceptive of people’s emotions, and adept at coping with situations.” Joseph is reflecting on his son’s exceptional maturity. In addition, he speaks a lot and has a vocabulary that is above average for his age.
The Marsicos, along with their autistic 6-year-old daughter Gianna, settled into a new routine during Joey’s almost month-long hospital stay.
“We tried to maintain a sense of normalcy for my daughter because she attends school,” Keirsten says. “My spouse and I decided that one of us should stay at home with her because she needs routine.”
Joseph stayed stubbornly by Joey’s side, while Keirsten stayed at home. “He’s still by Joey’s side,” Keirsten underlines.
Keirsten reflects on a touching incident by saying, “The other day, as I was leaving Joey, I was crying, and he consoled me again.” I told him it was okay and that I didn’t have to be sad as he wiped away my tears. “I know, but I don’t like leaving you,” I said to him.
The Marsicos take comfort in the knowledge that Joey’s accident was a terrible exception and in their Catholic faith.
“My worst fear is that people will hear this story and think, ‘Why weren’t they watching him?’ or ‘How could they let this happen?’” admits Keirsten, expressing her deepest concern. As his mother, I’ve struggled with it.
She does, however, take solace in her faith, thinking that Joey’s experiences have a greater meaning. “I have to constantly tell myself that everything is happening for a reason. Even if we can’t see it now, God has a plan for him, Keirsten says.
She says, “I would tell someone else it’s an accident if they were in our shoes.” “Accidents happen, and focusing on ‘why’ won’t help—it will only make you feel bad about yourself.”
Keirsten highlights how resilient their family has been in the face of hardship. “We must change and get over what is going on. Our priorities are helping Joey and continuing to be a solid family unit.
After being away from home for almost a month following the accident, Joey was released from the hospital on June 5. Earlier last week, he had his fourth birthday celebration.
His parents are hopeful that he will heal and that he will soon get a prosthetic fitted. They are in awe of Joey’s capacity to communicate his emotions and offer consolation to others during this trying time.
Warmly, Joseph says, “He’s always been such a special little boy.”
Pregnant and Forced to Kneel on a Flight, The Shocking Reason Why
Kayla, still grieving her grandmother, was headed home after the funeral, unaware of the chaos that awaited her during the flight. Mistaken for someone else, she had to rely on her instincts to get through the unexpected trouble.
Feeling drained from the funeral and her pregnancy, Kayla just wanted to be in her own bed. The emotional farewell to her grandmother, who had always supported her, weighed heavily on her.
While packing, her mother expressed concern about her leaving so soon. Kayla reassured her that she needed to return to work and her husband, Colin, who struggled without her. Her parents planned to stay a few more days to sort out her grandmother’s affairs, but Kayla wished her grandmother could have met her unborn baby.
Navigating the busy airport, Kayla hated flying, but it was preferable to a long drive. After boarding, she settled in, eager for the journey home. As the flight took off, Kayla sensed someone staring at her. A man a few rows back caught her eye, making her uneasy, but she dismissed it as someone judging her for traveling while pregnant.
Moments into the flight, a stern flight attendant approached her and asked her to follow her to the back. Confused, Kayla complied. Suddenly, the attendant ordered her to kneel, and the man who had been watching her approached, accusing her of theft.
Kayla insisted she hadn’t stolen anything and was returning from her grandmother’s funeral. The man showed her pictures of a woman who looked like her but had distinct tattoos that Kayla didn’t have. Just as she was starting to panic about her baby, the man began to reconsider.
In a moment of desperation, Kayla placed his hand on her belly to prove she was pregnant. Relieved but still embarrassed, he apologized, explaining he thought she was a thief he was pursuing.
However, the situation escalated when the flight attendant revealed a gun and ordered them both to comply. In a surge of instinct to protect her baby, Kayla kicked the attendant, causing her to drop the gun. The man tackled her, revealing that she was the real thief.
Once they landed, police were waiting. Detective Connor, who had been tracking the thief, apologized for mistaking Kayla for the criminal. Despite the ordeal, Kayla felt a strange sense of relief. As she stepped out of the airport and saw Colin waiting with flowers, she felt at peace.
Colin embraced her, glad to have her back. On the drive home, Kayla recounted the harrowing flight. Concerned for her well-being, Colin asked if she needed a doctor, but she reassured him that she was fine. As he placed his hands on her belly, they shared a moment of happiness, looking forward to their future together.
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