07/10/2026
So Joe and I recently had a life changing event. With the stories going around, I feel the need to address it. Everyone who knows Joe knows about his love of fireworks. Those that know him well know how careful he always was about fireworks. We've been married over 30 years and I have never once worried about or seen him be irresponsible when handling fireworks. This year at a 4th of July party a large item went off in Joe's hand. He had not been drinking; didn't even have a lighter with him; so we have no idea how it was lit. All we can think is possibly someone thought he wanted it lit or walked past him with something lit. We'll never know. But it happened. Luckily, if there's any luck to this, it was down by his side. The doctors said, from the damage it did, if it had been raised near his head; he'd probably be dead. I need to thank Big Dave Wokaty for his quick thinking and actions. Applying a tourniquet, wrapping his hand and raising it above his head, keeping it iced till the paramedics arrived; for sure saved his arm. Thanks also to the woman (whose name I don't know) who was able to reach 911, connected with the paramedics, and answered all their questions so they knew what they were dealing with before they even arrived. And thanks to the man who was following all the directions Dave was shouting out including searching for, bagging, and icing pieces found on the ground. Gross, I know, but that's how bad it was. Wonderful paramedics, wonderful hospital staff at Akron City, wonderful surgeon (I'm trying to keep this short). Never thought I'd be spending my 4th of July signing an authorization for amputation. Hours later, end result ... surgeon was able to save his wrist and small portion of his palm. Again thanks to Dave Wokaty, because before surgery they were thinking at the elbow. So ... he's doing fine now. Pain is manageable and he's even in good spirits. Thanks to Lisa Naccari-Tucker and Dave for getting me to the hospital and staying there with me through this ordeal. Thanks for all the good thoughts that have been sent and the food that has arrived! Tommy May, that lasagna is great. With all the medications, paperwork, appointments, etc., cooking was the last thing on my mind. And Pepi Tiller-Webster and Paul ... that shrimp you sent from Mississippi definitely put a smile on Joe's face! Thanks Debbie Kaiser Golech for your help the day after. I can always count on you! If I forgot to thank anyone, please forgive. We don't usually share this much personal info on Facebook, but I wanted to stop some rumors I've heard are going around. Life changing for sure, but we'll get through this.
