Sunday, December 31, 2006

New Years Starts with a Bubble!


















5~4~3~2~poof!

Update #18 ~ For 13 days Mark has had cold stethoscopes examining his belly throughout the day. Doctors listening for gastric sounds of any kind. We hold our breath, boring our eyes into their skulls looking for clues, so far no luck. Shoot! I've never discussed gas (or boofa's in Portuguese) so much in my life! Everyone asks poor Marky 'the question' as soon as they walk into the room, "Well...did you blank today?" He shakes his head no. Right now, Mark would kill to boof! (:D) Because that would mean that he would get to drink real water, or maybe even some watered down juice, instead of a few ice chips carefully placed into his mouth. Less than 1/2 a cup, every 8 hours. His fever spiked really high today and mystified the doctors...more cultures, blood and possibly CAT scans. He was bummed and my husband the warrior cried in my arms. Mark did 'the chair' today and asked to do it with no sedatives or extra morphine! Why?...that's what I wanted to know. The doctor told him that those additional medicines slows down the intestinal activity. What a STUD! I leave the room (as instructed) but he called for me after he was situated. (that was new) A cold wet rag across his sweating brow brought a small smile. (my heart skipped a beat) After about an hour, he had had enough and the orderlies entered the room (all men) to get him back into bed. I heard some manly celebrating...high fies and "cool dudes." In the process of moving him....well...he farted! :D We were telling everyone!...heck, I'm telling you! But you've earned the information. (Yes Mark, I wrote about that) Okay, so he's in excruciating pain, in a crowded room full of men that are lifting him and he boofs. Can you imagine the looks on their faces? Remember, these are men we're talking about! Yea...I know...they still laugh. So I walk in his room and he is green from all the movement, but it was a very 'proud' green. I guess you could say that our new year started out with a bang! (a very quiet one :)















A great BIG TIRED hug from me, to all of you....oh, and...

Happy New Year...my son's alive...I couldn't BE more happy...well, maybe... ;)

79 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sweet, that's the best fart story I ever heard!! :)

Happy New Year to you and yours!!!

Love ya!

xxxooo
Teresa

10:28 PM  
Blogger Magicaldamselfly said...

((((Darlene))))
Happy New Year to you my dear wonder*filled warrior!
Tell Mark he can fart around all he wants we are rooting for him. Go Mark Go.....literally.

Much love to you all,
Sheila

10:32 PM  
Blogger sandy said...

I am SO GLAD he boofed. That is another step towards success. Way to go Mark!!!

My four sons would be proud of you and I hope it was a loud one!!

Happy New Year to the whole family and especially Mark...Your year is going to get better and better, it really will...hang in there.

Love, sandy

10:42 PM  
Blogger JP (mom) said...

YEAH MARK!! Way to go dear one. We are all here rooting for you & your sweet momma, giving her words of encouragement while sending many, many prayers and healing thoughts your way. We are collectively so proud of you on so many levels, but most of all, simply grateful for your survival.
2007 will bring much continued healing for all of you and we'll right there cheering you on.
Lots of love, much peace, and happiest New Years wishes. Love, JP
P.S. I will never think of farts in quite the same way -- and you know what, that's a good thing!! The body is absolutely amazing, but the spirit even more so.

10:44 PM  
Blogger Teri said...

YAY!!! Way to rip one, Mark!

Happy New Year!!!
xoxoxo

11:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

who would've thought that people all around the world would be celebrating this excellent news. but it brought a bigger smile to my face than any New Year's fireworks.

take care,

amy

11:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am CryINg!!! I never knew I would be so thrilled about something like this!!!!

Thank You Lord!!!

Love to you and yours!

11:21 PM  
Blogger boho girl said...

yeah marky for your boofa!!!

we're so proud of you.

love you Sis
love you Jay
love you Angela
love you Marky.

is it time to make up a boofa song?!? i bet Pammie could think of one. ; )

xoxo

11:24 PM  
Blogger turquoise cro said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! That's great news!(Bbbbbppphhhhttttt!!!) and tell Jay, go ahead and cry, you just have to! Don't hold it in! 2007 LOVE and prayers, XOXOOXX, Cinda (((((MARK and his family))))))

11:33 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

There are tears of JOY streaming down my face.

11:41 PM  
Blogger Libbys Blog said...

Can you believe that such a normal human function could bring the new year in with, (should I say it) a bang!!!!!!!
Happy New Year to you all
Libbyxx

11:57 PM  
Blogger ::Bek Geach:: said...

I have been trying to post a comment for ages.
Simply... I am still here.
Still praying.
Still sending healing energy to Mark.
He is SUCH a hero... seriously brave and courageous.
Much love and hugs.
Bx

12:10 AM  
Blogger Giggles said...

Healing and love in the New year! One happy moment at a time! I just sent an email....too long to write here! To our man of steal, more strength and healing, all good things in the New Year for Mark and you!Blessing to you, you are never out of our thoughts!

Love Sherrie
P.S. A FART, I'll drink to that! Hopefully this will yield a laugh down the road!

12:15 AM  
Blogger Goddess Leonie * GoddessGuidebook.com said...

I am SO HAPPY to hear of this fart!!!!

YAY!

Fart on, happy family...

Fart your way to the bestest of health...

love love love
leonie

1:07 AM  
Blogger Catherine said...

Oh wonderful - I had the same question asked of me after a C-section - but I can't imagine having to wait so many days for it. I hope there are more to follow :)

1:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!!

Yes things could be better, but progress is slow. It's funny, and I suspect others feel the same way; but when I read your posts, part of me is there in the room with Mark. Urging him to keep going, not to give in. Part of me is there with you, giving you hugs every day.

Darlene, you asked for help, and you have received so much more love than anyone could ever have believed. :)

1:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Darlene,
You don't know me, I just found your blog by clicking the "next blog" button. I am so sorry about your son's accident and the heartache your family is going through. Without going into details, I know what you are going through, having had two similar events in my family this year. I will be praying for your son recovery and peace for your family. You have alot of support I see, and that is always a blessing.
God bless you and your family, He will see you through it!
John
North Idaho

1:49 AM  
Blogger angelfeet said...

I wouldn't have believed news of a fart would bring such joy to so many people! :-)

Happy New Year to you all.

1:51 AM  
Blogger Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

Happiness in the Boof! From one Portugeese to another! How wonderful to share a laugh, after days of extreme tension and sadness!
My prayers are with you, for Mark's well being in this New year!

1:55 AM  
Blogger Susannah Conway said...

happy New Year darling - this year will be filled with glorious farting and healing and LOVE. I know Mark will reach next New Year's Eve a changed man - one full of strength and *power* (and a gorgeous girlfriend to boot, i promise him that!)
xox

2:09 AM  
Blogger Julie H said...

Congratulations to Mark - and may there be many more to follow!!!

That first drink is going to taste soooooo good!

hugs

2:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

this is better than fireworks!!!

Happy New Year to you all!

xo Sophie

2:27 AM  
Blogger Gena said...

Oh who would have thought that a good old rasberry could bring such joy around the world! Well done Mark blow them away!
And Darlene my New Year wishes for you and your family, are that things just get better and better.
xxxx

3:32 AM  
Blogger Vanessa said...

So... did it smell? ;D

I'm so pleased...

Mark, you're doing just so great! Enduring 'the chair' with no extra pain relief must be excruciating... you're so brave.

Happy New Year... the days and weeks ahead are going to be really tough but you're on the road to recovery and we're all rooting for you.

Love you Darlene,
Vxx

3:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

LoL! :D Wonderful news, and a great way to start the New Year! Go Mark!!

Here's to a positive 2007, and to you & your wonderful family. *clink*

Huge Hugs & Much Love to you All,
Suze xXx

4:59 AM  
Blogger Shaz said...

Farts are always funny and I am glad you can giggle my gals call them fluffs.
I bet this will be the most memorable one ever I am so glad your dignity is not your own in Hospital is it? I am so glad there is a lighter brighter side to his boofie lol
Stay well and take care 2007 is going to be a great year I can feel it sweet friend.

5:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We call it a pootz in our house and what a perfect New Year's gift, passing gas!!
The whole bowel sounds thing is so crucial with abdominal surgery of any kind....I had my own horrific experience with all that although this isn't the time or place to talk about myself.

Anyway, Happy New Year to you and your family, Darlene, this post made me smile because Mark is definitely on the way to recovery.....you must be so incredibly proud of your strong boy!

5:19 AM  
Blogger Deb R said...

Who knew that hearing about a fart could cause such big happy grins all around the world! :-) That's wonderful news, Darlene! I'm sending lots of good wishes for a good 2007 your way~~~~~

5:59 AM  
Blogger Jack K. said...

Another milestone passed, just like gas. tee hee.

Maryann just walked into the room and saw your smiling face on the screen. I then told her of Mark's situation and accomplishment. She was glad to hear of his progress and asks you to tell him great going. Keep up the good work.

btw, you must share your pride in your son more. You have been hiding it under a bushel. tee hee.

It is amazing, how we have humor to help us through such trying times. There must be something to the adage that humor is the best medicine.

We hope that Mark's recovery is swift and complete.

Thanks for keeping us all up to date.

Affectionately,

Jack and Maryann K.

5:59 AM  
Blogger angela said...

I'm laughing out loud here.It's the way you tell it and the relief from tension.
What a gas!!
A very Happy New Year to you all,
Hugs,
Angela

6:02 AM  
Blogger Jerri said...

The very definition of laughing gas, Darlene. Hearing of this honestly starts my year with a bang.

Yeah for Mark. Yeah for you. Thank you, God.

love.
j

ps--you are beautiful in every way.

6:33 AM  
Blogger Becca said...

I guess congratulations are in order! LOL Isn't it amazing the kinds of things we can be thankful for :)

Another step (and not such a small one, apparently) on the road to recovery.

Keeping you all close in thought and prayer...

6:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a present for the new year ;-), but, a big bravo ! Seems to mean that the things are beginning to moove again ? Good sign, certainly ! So, I am happy for you and I wait for the next good news.
I wish you all a very happy and good year 2007.

6:46 AM  
Blogger quiltcontemplation blogspot said...

Great news!! Happy New Year! Twas the fart heard round the world!!
love from rainy NY

7:02 AM  
Blogger Sheila said...

My grand daughter calls them poots, my Portuguese hubby knows them as boofas too. Whatever you call them, this 'wind' of change is a very positive one.
A fantastic way to begin the new year..!
Feliz Ano Novo!
Every good wish for 2007, it will be a year of discovery and hard work (labors of love)for you all. Keeping you all in my prayers..
Sheila x

7:14 AM  
Blogger luzie said...

Happy New Year to you, Darlene!

I'm so glad to hear of Mark's progress.. he's such an incredible fighter, and so are you!

7:24 AM  
Blogger winnsangels said...

YES!YES! and YES!
Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture of you. Thanks for sharing about your dear one's tears.
Ongoing thoughts and prayers.

7:29 AM  
Blogger LEstes65 said...

How awesome to see your beautiful smile! And as a veteran hospital patient (grew up in hospitals), I have no problem celebrating Mark's fart. YEAH HEALHTY GI TRACT!!!! WOOO-HOOOOO!!!! God is good - I fell asleep praying for you guys last night. God's got your boy's back. And yours. Love to you.

8:11 AM  
Blogger nina beana said...

hey d

just checking in like always to tell you that i'm still listening

may this new year be filled with many loud stinky farts!!

8:12 AM  
Blogger k said...

boofs, wind, gas, bum whistles, kife, toot, flatulents, farts...who knew the importance! fabulous news for mark. honestly, thanks for sharing this news :)
go mark!
kristin
xoxo

8:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hee, hee...fart away Markie!! I am so very happy that his body is healing and that very soon he will drinking and eating. BTW, Happy New Year to you, Mark, your family and everyone here...may it be filled with HEALTH, LOVE AND PEACE.
Blessings to all... xo glo

PS - love the word "boofa" for gas...hee...hee... just saying out loud makes me laugh :D

9:08 AM  
Blogger Shari said...

What a relief (in more ways than one)!! What a way to celebrate an embarrassing bodily function than to ring in the New Year with? I am happy to hear of this update. So happy for you and your family!!

God bless!!

9:24 AM  
Blogger Jonna said...

Doing the happy dance for the boofa....sending positive healing energy your way.

9:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

so wonderful to "hear" some good news! who knew that such basic bodily functions were a reason to celebrate? they are indeed! a happy and healing new year to all of you....xoxo

10:00 AM  
Blogger Georgia said...

YAY for MARK!!! That is a great way to fart...er I mean START the New Year!!!!

xoxo
Georgia

10:02 AM  
Blogger Trish Ryan said...

Praise God for that fabulous start to your 2007! I suspect this will be a story that is told over and over again at family holidays, as you toast to Mark's complete healing :)

As my three year-old niece would say, "hip hip hooray!"

10:05 AM  
Blogger chulita4 said...

Darlene, I literally let out a happy gasp! I am so glad to hear the wonderful news! I am sure never before have so many people from all over the world rejoiced at one person's fart!! And I agree with JanePoe, I, too, will never think of farting in the same way--I now know it is but one of the many very beautiful sounds our bodies make when we are ALIVE. My prayers continue for Mark and all his family. You all have lived a lifetime in just 13 days!! You are all an amazing family. Mark's candle continues to burn. Happy New Year!!!

10:33 AM  
Blogger Sarah .B. Scott said...

Happy New Year to you and your family. Mark will remain in my prayers.

((BIG HUGS))

11:11 AM  
Blogger Le Mike said...

I'm another whom you don't know, but was directed here from "A Life in the South of France".

I'd like to wish you strength and joy and happiness for 2007 as Mark recovers.

Best wishes - Mike

11:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you and your family! Mark seems like such a strong man, how amazing to get that smile from the chair! '
All our love and good thoughts...

11:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've got the biggest s**t-eating grin on my face you've ever seen!
Go Mark!!
Love,
Kim in IN

12:06 PM  
Blogger Pink Granite said...

Hooray!
Absolutely the best noisemaker heard anywhere on New Year's Eve!
BTW, Boofa has been happily added to our vocabulary!
Still holding you all in our thoughts, and today we are smiling! - Lee

12:11 PM  
Blogger AMY said...

We light a match in your honor! Yea!

12:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yay!!! A fantastic way to start the new year! His will and strength are amazing- he has come so far. I am so gald for the little blessing of that "toot" (as my kids call them).

12:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Three cheears for the Boof!!!!!! Its a sign of things to come! ;)

Blessings and love love love to you and yours love,
e

1:12 PM  
Blogger bronxbt said...

pass gas
fart
poof
spoof
toot

i had a friend once who did jazz hands every time he did it.. so be thankful all mark did was turn a little green from his stressfull endeavor and maybe a little RED from all the orderlies celebrating a shunned bodily function.

oi vey.
good to hear.. love your pic.. love all you guys...

and trust me... regarding yer rock, yer hubby, that lucky guy: even warriors get to cry

happy new year sweetheart.
i'll do my best to continue the helpful humor on my side of the country for you. i may not feel like it, but i do realize the power of a smile and a gentle "guffaw." (not to be confused with a "poof")

;)
B

PS, should have a new 3 animals to vote on later today, me-hopeth

1:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOOHOOO!!!!

Let it all out Mark !! - Well done.

Whata great way to start the New Year.

1:39 PM  
Blogger Mimey said...

Fingers crossed that this year is an improvement, eh? Nice to read of the positive developments ;-)

1:48 PM  
Blogger Joyce Ellen Davis said...

You have such a great support system here...I just wanted you to know that somebody in Salt Lake City is thinking about you all, and praying for the best! Happy 2007!

2:02 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

It sounds so foolish, but passing gas really is a BIG deal. It signals that things are starting to return to normal inside and that is WONDERFUL! Once he starts eating, they'll be asking about a "moving" experience. ;-) Just another step in the right direction.

Happy New Year to you and your entire family, Darlene. There's a miracle in that tiny boofa.

2:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Miracles! Believe in them and they just keep coming! Still praying, L

3:27 PM  
Blogger Gracey said...

This has been the best news so far!! I thought I would never say this, but Great Fart!! :)

Seriously though I'm so glad he's improving little by little. This is so wonderful!

3:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Marvellous news
may this be the first of many!!!
A very Happy New Year to you all.

3:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So glad to hear of Mark's progress. Happy New Year!

4:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yay!!! I am very grateful that the Faerie of Farting chose to plop down and visit him, and I am praying for many happy return visits! I had to laugh reading this as I have just returned from visiting my parents who can perform this feat with extreme abundance. It is moments like you described that this time next year will be ones you will hug each other and laugh over. As I just said on your sis's blog, I hope this time next year you will all be in a perpetual state of marvel at how Mark has healed. So, so glad to have crossed paths with you this past year Darlene and I am wishing you a 2007 stuffed with more love and hope and joy and transformational healing than you could ever have imagined. xo
Alexandra (Marvelous Madness)

4:18 PM  
Blogger Fran said...

aI just don't know what to say. Me and my college buddies used to sit and laugh and brag about our farts and burps. Mark brought back some wonderful memories. Glad to hear it all the way in Tennessee.

4:51 PM  
Blogger beth said...

Remember when your son was a baby and you were thrilled when he burped or farted ??? Well, considering he is taking baby steps towards recovering, waiting for and applauding for farts is exactly what you should be doing right now !!!! Someday you will look back on this part of the waiting and wondering and it will bring a smile to your face....because that's how God works !!!!

5:08 PM  
Blogger Jen said...

Hurrah for boofs!

Makes you smile at the small things to us that are huge to others in accomplishments.

*salute*

5:20 PM  
Blogger Jenny said...

Boofas Rule!

Yay!

5:26 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

When I first read Mark's story of fighting for his life, I was immediately reminded of a book that I am currently reading. It's a documentary of sorts about a man named Don Piper. Who was in a terrible car accident and actually died for 90 minutes and came back to life- it is an inspirrational story of his pain, struggling, healing, and moving on...living with his "new normal" I know I can not truely relate to Mark's situation, but my heart goes out to him and I feel that if anyone truely could understand where Mark is right now it would be this man...

Here is a brief description of it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800759494/interactiveda165-20

please let me know what you think... thanks! Kristin

6:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The fart heard around the world.

6:25 PM  
Blogger Uber Mer said...

Oh, this is just the sweetest story. I hope this is the trend for the new year, Mark getting better... boofs and all. I'm so happy!!!

I'm still praying for you. Happy New Year.

Much love, Meridith

6:54 PM  
Blogger Laini Taylor said...

Oh Darlene, this post made me laugh. It's wonderful to come here and laugh. Who thought a fart could ever be so welcome? Wonderful news, hopefully followed by much more (news AND gastric movement!) And you look beautiful in the photo. Happy New Year!

7:11 PM  
Blogger Amber said...

Hi Darlene,

I just got back into town, and I am so happy to hear about this development! I almost wish we could all actually "hear" it! LOL! Yay Mark! You are so brave and strong, and you are doing so well. ;)

Happy New Year. Tonight your dear husband is in my prayers...It is hard to be strong for so long. What a good man.

oxox :)

8:02 PM  
Blogger LDahl said...

I don't think I've ever felt so joyful over a fart, but that is the best news!!! Let's get some more gut noise... YEA!!
I was so depressed for you yesterday, but now .....wheee! Foopsies galore are my New Years wish...heheh!

8:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You make me laugh and cry all at the same time. You're a brave mama of a beautiful brave son. What an auspicious start to 2007.

8:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ah the power of gravity ;-) so glad you shared the progress!

5:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sounds like something straight out of Monty Python: "Mark boofed and there was much rejoicing." :)

6:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My goodness, it's been a long time since an update! Please post again soon!

Sending healing energy,

8:00 AM  

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