Three hundred and fifty five days ago, I started Flaum. It was love at first site, I was so into this sweater I could not get started fast enough. I worked like crazy until things had to be made for Christmas. I put Flaum aside and never got my mojo back. You see Flaum taught me a lot, and the biggest thing I learned is that fisherman's rib is excruciatingly slow. I mean slowwwwwww.................
It took forever to knit a row and because you knit into the stitch below it seemed to never get longer. I had to pay attention, another thing I do not want to do when I knit these days. I simply have no brain power left to knit anything complicated at the end of the day. I put Flaum into a basket and put it right out in my family room so I could see it all the time and convince myself to get back at it. When that didn't work I hid the basket in hopes I would miss seeing the project and rush to get back to it. I told myself I would only work on it during the Olympics and that ended up being a big bust. Finally this week I had a good ole talk with myself. I was about half way through with this sweater but would it be worth the agony of the finish? Would I wear a fisherman's rib sweater in wool, in Florida enough to justify the hours and hours of torture to get it done? And of course the age old question, what the heck is wrong with me that I can't finish this sweater when so many others have done a great job on Ravelry?
After work on Tuesday I decided this was it. I needed to get that sweater out of the basket, out of my head and back into yarn form. Beautiful yarn ball form if I might add. Yarn that kept catching on itself making me work almost as hard frogging the sweater as I did knitting it. Now I have all these wonderful balls of yarn ready for another project that I hope to enjoy. And I don't feel one bit guilty, I am still in awe of those who were successful with this pattern but as for me I am happy to put it all behind me and move forward.
So here is a story you might be interested in. Let me just say from the start that no phone call from your son that starts with, "Mom, I did something stupid." ever ends up well. Mr. 22 called me Monday night after a very long day at work and said those very words. He had spilled boiling water on his leg and ankle trying to pour pasta water into a strainer. It hit the side of the sink and went over the counter down on his foot. I told him to hang up and take a photo of it and send it to me right away. Yup you guessed it, it was pretty bad. His leg was fine, a minor burn, but his poor ankle area was hit hard. There was already a large flap of skin melted off, sorry for those of you who are squeamish.
I sent him the the ER, but in typical college boy form he went to an after hours clinic. Sure enough it was a very involved second degree burn, they gave him medication, wrapped it up and sent him home. The thing is that burns continue to deteriorate and should be watched very closely, they did not even ask him to return for a check up. I got nightly updates and photos until Thursday night when it looked very bad to me. At 9:45 I marched down to my neighbor in my PJ's, with my iPad, and showed her the photos. She is our doctor and I love her, she thought he needed intervention that night. But again he would not go, it was late and he had to be up early for his internship. You can't make a 22 year old, who is about 1,000 miles away from you do anything! He did agree to go after work on Friday.
He was sent to three different hospitals before anyone would touch him. He finally got it all cleaned out and tended to and is now on pain medication, and wrapped up until he goes to a burn clinic on Wednesday. Today he is still in a great deal of pain, those nerve endings took a big hit yesterday with all the clean up, but he is resting so that is good. I am feeling better about it now but I tell you it has been a very worrisome week. I was just about to hop on a plane and take matters into my own hands. I won't show you any photos, it is really horrible to see. I think his leg looked like a bad injury on a Halloween prop, it was gruesome. I anticipate some scarring, I can work with all of that when he comes home at Christmas. I don't want his ankle function to be limited in any way. Until then he needs to heal. Please keep your fingers crossed it continues to heal up nicely with no infection.
So today I tried to catch my breath and let my Mom-Worry-Meter have a rest. I ripped out old plants, weeded my completely overgrown garden and planted some mums and marigolds. Supposedly deer do not like either of these plants but I am sure there will be a big buffet at my house tonight after I am asleep. My deer tend to like everything they are not supposed to. These were the very last of my summer flowers, a little posy to make me smile. Mr. 19 came home for the weekend, another reason to make me smile. Little Buddy and the potty training, well lets just say those smiles are very sporadic.
Hope you are having a great weekend and remember to be careful with boiling water. An accident like that could happen to any of us.
46 comments:
Some projects are just not worth finishing. Now you can make something beautiful with that yarn that won't have negative feelings attached to it.
I hope your son heals quickly! I can't remember if he's the swimmer; I hope he's not because that burn would interfere with his training!
Hugs, Maureen
Ouch, poor boy, that sounds excruciating. I hope it heals well, and quickly too. It must have been horrible for you being so far away. Well done on frogging your Flaum. If you're not enjoying it it's not worth pushing on with is it. I'm at a bit of a knitting impasse at the moment. I have two or three lots of yarn and I've cast on a scarf but I'm just not feeling it. It may be joining your Flaum and returning to ball form. I hope you have a good, relaxing Sunday. Best wishes to Mr 22 and a big hug to you. CJ xx
Good for you for just biting the bullet and deciding it was not worth your time and effort. Now you can use the yarn for something you will love.
OUCH! I hope Mr. 22 will be OK, that sounds pretty painful.
As you are an excellent descriptive writer and I have a vivid imagination photos were hardly necessary!!! I can imagine just how bad it was and how worried you were...I really don't understand the clinic's attitude though or the fact he had to go to several hospitals to get treated adequately. It is so easy to do that with pasta! I have done it myself but not with such drastic consequences ....poor lad, burns are so painful!
Hope you still have some garden left!! :-)
Tomorrow is Sunday so I hope you'll be able to put your feet up for awhile!
Take care
Amanda xx
Oh, dear. There is nothing worse than being on the other end of the phone with one of "those" conversations. I just had one with Daughter who thought she was going to pass out while driving. No matter how big they get they are still a just a worry away.
That burn sounds nasty. The Mister did that with hot coffee in his lap once and boy was that a mess for a long time. I'll never forget the nurse's face when he peeled off his trousers to show her the damage. It was pretty gruesome...but no scars.
Oh that long distance parenting is so hard when they won't listen to their Mama!! Glad he finally got some help and praying it heals well. I dropped an egg cooker out of the microwave and some VERY hot water splashed on my stomach. Only first degree burns but boy did it scare me. I truly will be more careful after my scare and your son's story.
I'm happy to rewound the yarn. Trying to make ourselves finish something we aren't enjoying because we think we 'should' is a mistake we've all made. Our lives are so busy, our time so limited we should enjoy our hobbies and not find them a chore.
Hugs and well wishes on that potty training! :)
Oh my goodness. I wish he'd gone to the ER right off. Did you use your serious mother voice? My brother spilled boiling hot wax he wanted to use to wax his newspaper bag onto his foot and it went down into his shoe.. he eventually got gangrene in it as my dad didn't think he needed to go to the hospital. Yikes. I'm glad you unknit that project into balls.. now you can use it for something you like better. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Oh heck I hope your son's burn heals well and at Godspeed. You are right,
they seem to do things at their own time. It's hard as a parent though, because we always worry for our children.....whatever their age. I can see why you loved that yarn, it is gorgeous and I love the name of the yarn too. lol. I have never really been into fisherman rib, though I love what it looks like. You're a little champion to keep going with it until it was finished.....well done and it looks marvellous.
That sure is pretty yarn; I'm glad you're going to make something you like with it although it must have been hard to frog it. Sounds like your son has a nasty burn; it's good you kept after him until he got it taken care of. Our son has put some grey hairs on our heads, too. DD#2 would share your potty training frustrations as Stella is giving her fits. Dry at night and naps but is too busy during the day to go. Hugs to you!
I swear our kids are put on this earth to give us grey hair and wrinkles. Hope Mr. 22's leg heals up quickly.
I'm sure the last place he went for treatment made it very CLEAR to him that he needs to take care of his wound. Sending healing vibes his way.
Glad you could have a bit of a visit with Mr. 19.
Mercy! First I have to tell you I think you are wonderful, Meredith, and I wish I could be more like you. Bravo for frogging! Bravo for being a super mom! [I'm still praying Little Buddy's issue will soon be resolved :) and I pray that Mr. 22 heals rapidly.] Rest!!! xxxxxxxxxxxx
First of all I will definitely be praying for Mr. 22 AND for you. Oh how I wish he would have gotten the appropriate care in the beginning but glad things seem to be moving in the right direction now. I remember getting a call from Alex who had just moved to Japan when he was 19. His call began, "Mom, now don't panic but I'm in the hospital with a broken back!" Did he truly believe I wouldn't panic? He was up in the very Northern part of Japan where I couldn't get to him because of language barriers and he didn't expect me to come undone? I did do very well and didn't fall apart untiI I hung up and tried to tell his Dad what was happening. Kids. Boys especially. :-)
Secondly. Good for you in deciding it just wasn't worth spending more valuable time on the sweater. The balls of yarn are beautiful and will soon let you know what they want to be made into.
Love you my sweet friend. I really am praying for all of you.
Blessings,
Betsy
Hopefully, your son has learnt a lesson and the burn will heal soon. Uah! Poor Meredith... Hugs to you. Regula
First of all...so glad your son is getting the attention he needs, and hope he will be a compliant patient!!! (Kids!!! Never stop worrying about them!! No matter the age!)
Next....Flaum (sigh). I just did another post about mine. You are so right.....this is truly the endless knit. Mine spent most of the summer in time-out and just got dragged out. And for such a simple knit, I'm endlessly ripping little sections back, can't get any kind of rhythm going, and hating the way I have to pay attention when I just want to zone-out and finish this. I just passed the pocket area on the front...still have sleeves to go and about 5" of front. I'm knitting on this passionately....and getting absolutely NO WHERE!!! Of the two of us....you are the smart one!
It's such a worry when they're away from home, isn't it? As you say, burns can be very nasty and an eye should definitely be kept on them, it's a good job that your son has a mum who can look after him even when she's so far away. I do hope it heals quickly and well. Don't fret over the knitting, it's supposed to be pleasurable so you've done the right thing pulling it all out if you're just not feeling it.
Oh no, so difficult for we moms to not be able to fix things for our kids! Burns are horrible, I know you must have hurt so much for him and the frustration of being so far away is so very hard. I'm glad he's on the right path now, but these worries never end, do they? As for the sweater, good decision! My word, our knitting is for us, not a chore, so good for you. I always repeat the mantra, "I'm the boss of my knitting" whenever I'm struggling with it. Love to you!
Sometimes it is best to just frog and start something new. Ouch, your poor son. People don't realise how something so simple can be so dangerous, hope he heals well and you can relax xx
Good call on ripping out that cardigan. You are right. In your Florida heat you never would have worn it. As for Fisherman's rib - it looks awesome, but takes forever.
It takes a lot of courage to be the parent of a grown child. Way more than you need when they are young and under your care. Hopefully Mr. 22 has a speedy recovery. It was so good you were able to stay in touch with him and keep steering him towards medical intervention, even if he was a bit slow to take all your advice.
Being a Mom is one of the most difficult jobs on earth, is also most rewarding job!! You hurt when your babies hurt and your thrilled when they are happy!! What control you had in not jumping on a plane and going to him!! Thank goodness for computers and ipads and that he would send you daily photos. I pray this will not affect his swimming !! Your zinnias are beautiful!! I have fertilized mine with my orchid food and have enjoyed the colors and flowers this summer!!
As you know - the burn will be a slow heal!! But glad it's under control!!
Meredith - So sorry to hear about your son's accident. So glad you pushed him into getting it taken care. My son was in a flash explosion as a teenager while working on a farm for the summer. Burns are horrible and so painful. Here's hoping and praying he recovers quickly.
Have a Blessed Sunday.
Judy
your poor son.I feel for him.Burns are soooo painful.Us Mums never stop worrying.It never goes away and then you have grandchildren who give you so much joy but sometimes worry as well!I think we would all agree that the happiness outweighs the worry!
good luck with the potty training.
When I was his age I accidentally poured hot bacon grease on my thumb and part of my hand while at home from college for the weekend. My mother was standing right beside me, so that did not make a difference. I spent the rest of the day with my hand in cold water because of the pain, and did not go to the infirmary until the next week. I had a red thumb for about a year afterwards, but then it was back to normal. Forty years later, I can say that I have not made that mistake again. I bet your son won't either.
I had started "Clearwater Sweater "berroco book #352. And it travel to Syracuse NY for the month of August & back home to
Florida . Never even taken out of the knitting bag . So you have made me see it needs to frogged into a different sweater .
When my daughter was about 8 she burned the calf of her leg very bad . She will always have a bad scare on her leg. Have to be very
Careful of infections. Hope he is doing better!
Oh gosh, Mr 22, my heart was in the throat the whole time reading as I was so worried. I do hope so much that all will be OK and that he will be well again very soon. Sending good thoughts and wishes. Hope that you enjoy your knitting and that Buddy does well with the potty! xx
I'll be praying for him. Burns are nothing to mess with. He didn't do anything Stupid, stuff happens you know? When Zach got bit by a loose dog in Mexico he was adamant he was coming home for rabies shots. I was a mess. Rabies is fatal. Good news did come and he didnt need rabies, but I think I understand your distance issues.
BIg hugs. Never knit or crochet if you don't like it. Its okay to rip. I've done a lot of it lately. And I Dont like counting and busy knitting either.
:) see we are twins
Very Brave Meredith to rip back the jumper but you have to move on. I had to rip back the front of a sweater this week because I noticed half way up that I had done 1x1 rib instead of 2x2 rib and I had already done the back! It was hard because with my poorly shoulder those rows were slow and calculated in my 30 mins of knitting/crochet time that I am allowed per day! Any way sending healing vibes to a very fragile ankle - ouch the skin is so thin there isn't it? Love Jo
Meredith, Don't feel bad about not wanting to take a project backup, we have all done that. I am sending prayers for you and your son that he has a quick recovery and mom some more peaceful times. We all want the best for our kids, but sometimes they think they are smarter than we are and don't want to listen. I appreciate your visits so very much. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley.
Meredith, dear friend, I am way behind reading and just now read this post and a few before. I'm sorry you have been having so much going on. Poor Mr. 22. I hope he heals without any problems. And good luck with the potty training. You and Little Buddy will get it. Love his bug boy bed. Sending you love and hugs from Tennessee.
Sharon
How awful for you Meredith and that boy of yours of course but I can quite understand what you must have been going through this past week, why won't they listen?. I hope he heals well, I'm sure he will if he looks after it. I can quite understand the sweater thing too, I think we should do it more often there's no use struggling to finish a project once you've fallen out of love with it, I have a cardigan that's going to go the same way, it's will be a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. Have a great week. :) xx
I hope Mr.22's burn heals nicely☺ That sweater...Don't sweat it too much!♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Your poor boy, It must have been so hard for you to deal with when he's so far away. I hope he heals quickly.
I'm glad you took the decision to frog the Flaum. It's so easy to cast on but very hard to admit that it's not working for you. It takes a great deal of bravery to rip out all your hard work but I'm sure it's a weight off your mind.
Oh, I'm so sorry for your son! I hope he gets better soon, and that his ankle will recover completely. I've had 3 bad fractures in my ankle area 4 winters ago and though it's a totally different thing I know how painful ankle injuries can get, and how hard it is to have limited leg movements... it sucks, to say the least. Wish you both all the best! xx Oh, and PS: you made the right thing, frogging that cardi. Can't wait to see what you'll make with the wool! ;)
Long distance parenting has to be the hardest thing! I will say prayers and keep fingers crossed that Mr. 22 heals quickly and well. Glad you decided to rip out the sweater. We knit because we enjoy it, right? If you're not enjoying...don't do it. Glad Mr. 19 came home for the weekend. And keeping fingers crossed for potty training progress too!!
I am so sorry to hear that your son got badly burned. I was wincing as I read the story. And thank you for not showing photos! Believe me, I know the feeling about your son being away from school and getting those calls. I got a few of them myself. In fact, Tim sprained his ankle (the same one) at school twice - the 2nd time being severe enough where we suspected a break. It wasn't broken, but still bad enough where he had to be in a boot. They never suggested physical therapy, which was a big mistake. Of course, he still had trouble with his ankle and now that he's back at home, he's in PT.
Sending you a mom hug and a prayer for your son that his leg will heal with no infection.
Yikes! It is hard to be Dr Mom at long distance. His story makes me glad one of our local hospitals has a burn unit. And good for you for "divorcing" Flaum. Sometimes the only thing to do is say good-bye. I have done the same but it takes some bravery, but not as much as parenting from afar.
They are still boys even at 22. I do so hope all goes well with Mr. 22. I'm sure it is most painful. And you are so far away. The Boy came home this weekend after mountain biking, all banged up, I said you need to be more careful, he said I had to learn mum. Really? You can't figure 1 + 1 = 2 It's a Mum's job to worry and care and give advice.
Brave girl after all that work. But if you're not happy with the process or the results then I'm with work it until it makes you happy.
Youch that sounds so painful, hope he is doing better you must have been worried sick! Looking forward to seeing what you do with that lovely yarn :) xo
I'm sure the sweater yarn will make a lovely garment that you will enjoy making and wearing that is much more suited to your climate. Why do we do these things to ourselves?! I hope Mr 22 heals quickly and with no scarring - sending lots of positive thoughts.
So sorry to hear about your sons accident, I am praying for a full recovery. On a lighter note I am thrilled for you that you have made the decision to pull back that beautiful yarn. Knitting should be a pleasure not a chore. Take care.
My daughter had a similar thing happen only it was boiling porridge pan .All she did was cool down the area and I had to force her, she is 21, to casualty . she had the same thing as your son. We will never stop worrying, will we. However, I wouldn't have it any other way. Sending healing thoughts to your son
Well done for frogging your work. I know you feel much better and I know you will make something fabulous. Have a lovely day
I'm glad you made the decision to frog something you weren't enjoying rather than forcing yourself to finish or have it hanging over your head. As for Mr. 22, ouch! That is very painful. I do hope he heal quickly.
Poor Mr. 22, I hope he is feeling better. You must have been upset. And the sweater disappointment on top of that.
Amalia
xo
Oh heavens! I'm glad he finally got the burns seen to, but you must just be exhausted with all the stress and worry. Sending lots of healing thoughts and hugs!
I am trying to face facts over a couple of projects....it's funny isn't it that something that becomes a bind has a bit of a hold on us and clings on with everything it is worth rather than being frogged. I have a jumper which I spent so long making that really doesn't fit well, and I just can't do anything with it, because it took me agaes!
Sorry to hear about your boy....I do hope that the healing process is coming along quickly and that all of treatment now is timely and good.xx
Having been in excruciating pain with second degree burn as a child, I just know how Mr 22 must be feeling. I am glad he finally got the right treatment. I am glad you pushed him to go and be seen properly, it is so important for wound healing and to limit scarring. I needed to go to see a doctor every day, to debride the dead skin.
As for the sweater, some things are just not meant to be. You knit for enjoyment and if a project becomes a chore, it is not worth the effort! xx
My goodness! Poor Mr 22 but how typical of that age to not follow advice...yeah, yeah... what does mum know... getting that at the moment from a young man of similar age.
Thank you for the reminder that such accidents could happen to anyone at any time. It is so easily done - just a split second of inattention and that could be the moment that changes one's future.
I'm glad to have heard that Mr 22 is healing well. Burns are so painful and horrid. I hope he manages okay.
Good for you for frogging that Flauming project that was bringing no joy whatsoever. At least your yarn is not being wasted any more and you have a 'new stash' for a project that is better suited to your needs right now. There is nothing wrong with frogging a project - in fact, it is better for the environment that you frog and re-use rather than have it 'in limbo' or in landfill!
I do enjoy your writing style as you describe your 'relationship' with this yarn and the 'Flaum' project. I look forward to the next time I see this yarn on your needles or hooks.
Post a Comment