And the spring holidays of Easter, Passover, and Ramadan are upon us. When I was a child, I could hardly wait to fill myself with matzah for each meal…butter and salt; peanut butter and jelly; fried with egg batter ala French Toast; chocolate covered. Not that matzah even tastes that great, it is just festive to eat it, celebrating the ability for my ancestors to leave their bondage. Similarly, jelly beans, decorated eggs, and candy chicks commemorating Easter helped us welcome the awakening months from winter’s darkness. This year, as never before in our lifetime, we are awakened with the promise of hope that we have survived the pandemic, and that life will return to “normal.”
As an ostomate, I have to mention that some of the foods of the holidays are dangerous, and need to be eaten with caution. Matzah is extremely difficult to digest and may need to be eaten sparingly. Additionally, many of the Passover desserts are made with potato starch, equally heavy and difficult for some of us to digest. I was rushed to the Emergency Room with a blockage years ago, and that was even before my stoma surgery. It is very binding! Even those with no bowel issues have been rushed to the hospital after a few days of Passover observance.
The sweets of Easter can be equally as difficult for our system and may send us into a sugar high. Big chocolate bunnies and chicks are so appealing, and a nibble can lead to a full meal of cocoa.
Asparagus is a wonderful holiday vegetable and is at its most prolific at this time of year. For ostomates, however, it can be extremely dangerous due to its fibrous nature. Please make certain to steam or roast well, in order to avoid stringiness which can cause a blockage in the stoma. And in general, eat a balanced meal for good physical and mental health.
It is so exciting to envision sitting around the Seder or dinner table with family and friends, a true luxury lost last spring. It was so early in the pandemic, and we had no idea what was ahead for us. Now we can celebrate together, remember those lost or unable to be with us, and look ahead to a better year. Pats on our backs for seeing this year through, and for the ability to be vaccinated and ready to return to our lives. Happy spring holidays to all!
