Correspondent photo / Sean Barron.... Kristin Fox of Poland receives a little help with her shoe from daughter Laiken, 8. Fox spoke during the second of two Youngstown State University commencements Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium about her ordeal of having both legs and arms partially amputated early last year. , and how she has refused to allow it to slow her down.

POLAND — Kristin Fox’s perspective on the significance of Mother’s Day is summed up with pinpoint precision.

“You can’t get back time; learn to be present. I can’t change what happened to me, but I can change how I am in that moment, because you don’t know if you have tomorrow,” Fox, 40, said.

The value of being in the moment for family, friends, co-workers and other loved ones has been greatly heightened for Fox, largely because a little more than a year ago, those in her life didn’t know if she would have many more moments.

In March 2020, she was hospitalized for influenza A before being diagnosed with double pneumonia and developing septic shock, a life-threatening blood infection that can cause dangerously low blood pressure. She was prescribed four medications that saved her life but significantly compromised her circulation, which resulted in amputations below her knees and elbows.

She’s now been fitted with natural-looking prosthetic arms and legs.

Because of the pandemic, Fox was limited to spending last Mother’s Day communicating with people largely via FaceTime, she recalled.

This year, however, the longtime educator is enjoying countless moments with her husband, Mike; daughter, Laiken, 8, and son, Landon, 10, and numerous other relatives and lifelong friends who continually check to ensure she is OK and has what she needs.

In addition, Fox continues to inspire many people with her steadfast determination, fortitude and strength in refusing to allow her ordeal to define or defeat her.

“I have difficult moments, but they don’t ruin my day,” she said. “My mindset is, ‘Don’t tell me I can’t; show me all the ways I can.'”

SHE’S BUSY

Fox is busy maintaining an increasingly large speaking schedule in which she delivers such messages to high school students and others. Most recently, she gave the keynote address for Youngstown State University’s afternoon commencement Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium for YSU faculty and Spring 2021 graduates.

This Mother’s Day also is bittersweet for Fox, because it’s the first one without her mother-in-law, Linda Fox, who died suddenly last year at age 70 — someone “who was like a second mother to me,” Fox said. Her mother-in-law was a tremendous help throughout Fox’s recovery and would have continued in that effort, she recalled.

“His family did everything with my family,” she added.

Fox also remains close with her own mother, Nancy Birch, who is anything but shy about checking in on her and remains on the front lines of Fox’s care, she added.

“This has been so hard for my mom. I can’t imagine seeing my kids go through this,” Fox continued. “My mom calls me a thousand times a day. She would bring me an iced coffee in the middle of the day if I need one.”

More than 60 high school and college friends, family members, colleagues and others brought themselves to Fox’s recent surprise 40th birthday party at the Magic Tree Pub and Eatery in Boardman. The event was highly emotional for Fox, who expressed tremendous gratitude toward those “who have stuck by me for the hardest year of my life.”

BIG PLANS

Later this month, Fox plans to return to her job as special programs coordinator in the Campbell City School District after receiving clearance from a medical disability specialist in Parma.

Fox’s years as a teacher and assistant principal have left an impact on many students, and her plans also include using her story to give a voice and platform to young people who feel they lack both, she explained. In addition, she intends to advocate for young people who are in dire situations beyond their control, Fox continued.

Her life’s itinerary also features travel, which includes a trip in late July to a resort near Seven Springs, Pa., with about 25 women whose children are friends of Fox’s son and daughter.

All of this activity leaves no room for regrets, self-pity or resentment.

“There’s a reason for everything. I firmly believe that,” Fox said. “This is my normal now.”

As for Mother’s Day, her message is equally straightforward.

“Call your mom; see your mom,” she advised. “Take five minutes, because you’re not guaranteed tomorrow.”

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