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.”
I’M 74 AND ADOPTED A GERMAN SHEPHERD WHOSE OWNERS WANTED TO EUTHANIZE.
The phone call came unexpectedly, my son’s voice laced with concern. “Mom,” he said, “you won’t believe this. There’s a beautiful German Shepherd at the shelter, and they were about to euthanize him!” My heart sank. How could anyone even consider such a thing?
He explained that the young couple who brought him in, the ones who had raised him from a puppy, were moving and simply couldn’t “handle a big dog anymore.” The thought of them discarding Hunter like a piece of unwanted furniture filled me with a rage I hadn’t felt in years.
“I’ll take him,” I declared, my voice firm.
“Mom,” my son hesitated, “He’s a big dog. Are you sure you can handle him? You’re not getting any younger.”
“I’ve had big dogs before,” I retorted, my voice rising. “And besides, I’m not going to let some irresponsible people decide his fate.”
The next day, I drove to the shelter, my heart pounding. The sight of Hunter, standing forlornly in his kennel, almost broke my heart. He was magnificent, with a thick, jet-black coat and eyes that held a hint of sadness. As I approached, he whined softly, his tail thumping against the kennel wall.
From the moment I stepped into his kennel, I knew he was meant to be mine. He nuzzled my hand, his fur soft against my skin, and I felt an instant connection. The shelter staff assured me he was well-behaved and gentle, and I knew it was true. I took him home that day, a wave of relief washing over me.
Life with Hunter has been a joy. He follows me everywhere, his presence a constant comfort. He curls up at my feet during the day, his head resting on my lap, and sleeps soundly beside my bed at night, a watchful guardian. He’s a gentle giant, never once causing any trouble. He’s the best listener, patiently enduring my rambling stories and offering silent companionship.
Sometimes, I catch him watching me, his golden eyes filled with a deep affection that melts my heart. I know he knows he was rescued, that he understands he has a home now, a safe haven. And in those moments, I feel a profound sense of gratitude.
Hunter has brought a renewed sense of purpose to my life. He’s taught me about unconditional love, about the importance of giving back, and about the resilience of the human-animal bond. He’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, always a chance for redemption. And most importantly, he’s my family now, and I will never let him go.
This story emphasizes the emotional connection between humans and their pets, highlighting themes of rescue, companionship, and the importance of providing a loving home for animals in need.
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