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.”
Maybe You Didn’t Know This: You Should Never Eat Cucumbers and Tomatoes in the Same Salad
While all natural fruits and vegetables are healthy for you, did you know that some should never be combined? Cucumbers and tomatoes, for instance.
Tomatoes and cucumbers are very healthful. They are abundant in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and water. But you shouldn’t eat them together! When preparing a salad, Ayurveda says it’s critical to know how long each component takes to digest.
Vegetables with varying rates of digestion can be difficult to combine. Food fermentation may occur in your stomach if the lighter ingredient passes through your intestines at the same time as the other begins to digest. Toxins, sluggish digestion, and starch and sugar fermentation may arise from this. This will ruin your food and increase your risk of stomach pain, bloating, and gas.
Other than cucumbers and tomatoes, there are other combinations of foods to be careful with. Here are few to keep in mind:
Fruits after eating: Fruits take longer to digest and if they are left in the stomach for an extended period of time, they can cause acid reflux and other digestive problems.
Cheese and meat: Limit the amount of protein in your meal. No more than one kind per meal.
Even though it’s a common combination, macaroni and cheese (or macaroni and meat) might create stomach problems since carbs and proteins breakdown at different rates.
Cheese and vegetables together can make you more prone to bloating.
Orange juice might damage the enzyme required to break down carbohydrates, so avoid eating bread or noodles with it.
Watermelon and melons should be consumed on their own; do not mix them with other fruits.
Milk and bananas together can cause digestive delays.
Yogurt and fruits are a popular breakfast combination, but they can alter your gut flora and slow down digestion.
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