Thursday, December 17, 2009

Flatulence and Cream of Wheat

...don't seem like they go together, but they're partners in wellness. We scoff and turn our heads at a good fart, but my perspective has changed. Flatulence, strong, loud, powerful is what I've been praying for...it happened, and we all cheered. Picture my 'happy flatulence' dance. I'll never view a good fart in the same way again. For me, it means the body is functioning, it's happy and celebrating its own symphony of wellness. Music to my ears.

I watched my mom eat her first food in days and days. A simple steaming bowl of Cream of Wheat. To me it looked like the gruel in a depressing Dicken's novel, but as I watched her take each small bite, it transformed into a five-star gourmet meal. Her face lit up and her body relaxed as she savored each spoonful. I might have to write the Cream of Wheat folks and pitch a new commercial.

Over the last few weeks I've been reminded to think positively and recognize the joys and blessings of each day. They're there, you simply have to see them.

I should be back to regular sewing time this weekend. I'm bursting with pent up energy to create.


47 comments:

Amber said...

Glad to hear she is doing well - and it's easy to forget those small joys and blessings - thanks for the reminder!

Quilt or Dye said...

So glad your mom is doing better. I hope the progress continues for her!

Andi said...

Glad your mum is feeling better.
We have coined a new term in this house: flatulante (rhymes with vigilante).
Seems appropriate here.
Andi x

Twisted Quilts said...

I will never think of farts in the same way again. I would have to say my husband must be exceedingly healthy if farts are a sign! Glad your mother is doing well. I know this has been a difficult time. I am glad to see you are getting to the other side. We all should concentrate on the little things in life. Those are what are important day to day.

Meg said...

Jacquie, so glad your mom is mending--keeping you guys in my thoughts. Hope you have a bit of time for some happy sewing!
--Meg

Jackie Russell said...

I'm so glad to hear that your mom is doing better. Does she read your blog?

connie said...

I am glad things are looking up for your Mom. I am dreading the day when I have to deal with one of my parents being sick. I love the title of your post it made me giggle......

Have a wonderful Christmas and sending many good thoughts!

Di~ said...

Hi Jacquie! I hope your mom is better soon! You are not only a superb quilter, but a superb writer!, even tho' your title has me red faced!:)

Poppyprint said...

Wonderful news that your mom has turned the corner to wellness Jacquie. Cream of Wheat is okay, but for full symphonic effect, I recommend Red River Cereal. Hope you are back at your machine soon.

Molly said...

Yay!! I'm so glad your Mom is doing better. It is so stressful to see your mother sick and in pain.

I have your deer quilt saved as one of my favorites and I would love to do a similar one for one of my sons. Thanks for all your inspiration!

Rose said...

I just never know what the topic is going to be when I stop by! Glad to hear she's doing ok.

Needled Mom said...

Oh yeah....so glad to hear your mom is doing better.

Victoria said...

This is a joyous post, and a wonderful, humorous, and touching reminder to be grateful for every blessing. Good to hear your Mom is doing a bit better, hope her health continues to improve!

Dee said...

...so we bowed our heads and gave thanks.

Merry Christmas!

debra lynn said...

I agree, cream of wheat is the best when your sick. Glad she is doing better.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

aaa, the body works in wonderful ways, I am so happy your mom's is waking up!

Cheryl Arkison said...

Sometimes the pleasures in life are just so basic. A good reminder for all of us!
Great news for you.

Anina said...

Oh yay! I'm SO glad your mom is feeling better. A wonderful Christmas gift.

Karen said...

My life is all about farts with my 4y.o son at the moment. Boys and all things tiolet...
Glad to hear your Mum is on the mend.

the Campfollower said...

Jacquie, I am so happy your mom is recovering. And right on with the happy sound of a good toot. As a nurse I can't even remember all the times I have had to encourage my lady patients to just relax and cut one loose. It is hard to do when you have been instructed all your life that farting is rude. My proyers are still with you and your mother.

xo,
Tia

Sharon said...

Glad to hear your mom is on the mend. I know the joy of hearing the fart, my dad was in the hospital and couldn't eat until this happened. My mom and I walked in and saw his name on a food tray and we yelled, "Dad farted! whoohoo!" Simple things make us smile!

2ndAvenueStudio-Rachel said...

in our house we play the "Butt Trumpet" to celebrate broccoli (or any non stinky greens/fiber processing) or if my hubby eats dairy he becomes a "Sulfuritic Bastard".
Stay strong, elder care can be really exhausting. Be sure and take some time just for you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing....life is fragile. Praying for continued progress, strength, peace and courage.

shellysquilts said...

Hey Jacquie, While I'm very happy your mom is doing better, I'm not sharing your fart dancing joy with my 10 year old son. It would just be putting gasoline on his already gassy fire.

Beth said...

Perhaps a cream of wheat inspired quilt is called for??

em's scrapbag said...

Over joyed to hear the good news of your mom and that you will soon be back doing the things you enjoy and do so well.

Stephanie D said...

Well, consider yourself an honorary member of the health profession now! We can get positively giddy over body functions. lol

fabricartist21 said...

Prayers for your MOM!! Calling all bloggers I am having a huge giveaway on my blog and will be adding a new item everyday until 12/24. Check it out.

paulette said...

You made me chuckle....I hope your Mom doesn't read this...:o) You'll be in trouble! Sent to your room! Thanks for making my day and I'm so glad your mother is feeling better and passing wind! ha ha ha ha ha ha...reminds me of being in the classroom when someone uses the fart work and everyone laughs...we are all children at heart!
Take care!
Paulette

Melanie O said...

I'm happy to hear your mom is doing better. Hope the holidays bring more good news and progress.

Dorrie said...

Never take for granted those small blessings. It really is a lifetime of small achievements that make us truly rich. I hope your mom feels better soon. And I hope you take some time and really rest.

Anonymous said...

imagine my surprise after having a couple of glasses of wine, I find Jacquie talking about flatulence. I am a GI nurse. That means, my specialty is gastrointestinal nursing. My specialty is all about farting. I had to reread your post twice. I am all about farting in my job and I love cream of wheat. I thought I might be dreaming, but I am not. Farting is a good thing, as I tell my patients, it is their ticket out of here. Yes, I celebrate farting everyday. Sometimes I tell my patients that they, indeed, have won the blue ribbon for the best fart of the day.

MightyMom said...

you think that's good, just wait till her first post-op poop!!

I usually do a happy dance for my patients on that day. let me know and I'll dance for your mom. :-)

Kritta22 said...

Oh such wonderful news! Thanks for sharing...seriously!
I'll never think of a simple fart the same way again!

Theresa said...

My first baby was born 8 weeks prem via emergency ceasarean. I wasn't allowed up until I passed wind. I waited...and waited...then worried I'd missed it. I was so sick and all I wanted to do was fart. I told every specialist and nurse that came to see me. Oh the pain. Yup...it's not working unless you do it. Thanks for the memories! Merry Christmas.

Cynthia said...

Happy to hear that your Mom is doing well. It gives me hope for my father. He had his open heart last Thursday. He's doing great but still not eating. Why does it bother us when someone isn't eating? I guess it truly means their not feeling well. He's also kind of blue. I guess the cold weather doesn't help.
Merry Christmas
Cynthia

Marie said...

yep!! the more farting the better!! it's a gas powered world we live in .... hugs and prayers to your family -- one day at a time (or one fart at a time!) happy christmas!
m

B&G Foods said...

Glad to hear your mom is feeling better and that she enjoyed her Cream of Wheat!

KateKwiltz said...

Oh, Jacquie, I'm so happy she's doing better! And what I can only interpret as a gesture of support, Archie just settled into my lap -- and farted. And I will try to be grateful. :)

Get well, Mom!

sara said...

Jacquie,
My dad had intestinal surgery a year ago last thanksgiving - and we, too, learned the true meaning of passing gas...a real blessing! Glad she is on the mend and you are almost back in the studio - i've missed your daily blogs!
Sara

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that your mother is doing better. I can't wait to see what you create with all that energy!

bellsjo said...

Your blog post title made me giggle! Hurrah for farts (or pumps as they are also known - but I think that might just be an expression from the north of England!) so glad news is good and your mum is on the up. Christmas blessings to you all.

Randi said...

Glad your mom is better. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Diane said...

Happy to hear things are turning around for your mom. I wish you the very best for the coming days ahead. Neat insight and a good reminder for us all to appreciate the dailies in our daily living.

Anonymous said...

Savor it all right? Even Cream of Wheat!

dutchcomfort said...

Glad to hear you’re mum is doing better! I smiled reading your post, it’s so true!
I experienced the same joy after having heavy stomach (belly?) surgery.

prashant said...

I hope the progress continues for her!

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