As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of IBS throughout my adult life, I’ve accumulated quite a few memorable stories related to bathroom emergencies. Like that time I nearly had an accident at a department store while pushing my toddler in a stroller, desperately searching for a restroom. Or the day I had to stop on a secluded country road to relieve myself in the woods—let me tell you, finding no bathrooms for miles in rural New York is a real adventure. And let’s not forget the time I was alone on a deserted beach, created a makeshift toilet in the sand, and buried my business afterward. That’s right; I’m sharing this for the first time. You’re welcome.
However, nothing could prepare me for last week’s unexpected adventure—using my child’s potty. Yes, it actually happened, and I can’t be the only parent who has found themselves in such a situation.
Setting the Scene
That day, there was some plumbing work being done in my apartment due to persistent sewage issues. It’s a nightmare when you’ve had sewage backing up in your kitchen sink and bathtub. Thankfully, the repairs seemed to be resolving the problem.
However, the plumbing crew had turned off the water for the entire day. Initially, I was told I could use the toilet, just not flush it. Since my kids were at school and I was home alone working, I thought I’d be fine.
But, as I sat at my laptop, enjoying breakfast and sipping coffee, the workers came to inform me that I couldn’t use the toilet at all—not even for number one. Panic set in. I had just eaten, and I really, REALLY needed to go. I’m not one to hold it, especially in such a stressful situation.
I contemplated walking to the nearby pizza place to use their restroom but hesitated, unsure of their opening hours. After all, I had been told I’d be able to use my own toilet again shortly (which turned out to be yet another false promise).
So, in a moment of sheer desperation, I pulled out my son’s potty from the closet. I quickly lined it with a plastic grocery bag and did what needed to be done. I couldn’t just leave everything inside the potty, right? After tying up the bag and placing it in another one, I shoved it into the closet, thinking I’d dispose of it later when I could finally use the toilet again.
You might wonder why I didn’t just toss the bag outside in the trash. Trust me, I thought about it, but I live in an apartment, and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving it in the communal bin. We’re not talking about baby poop; adult waste belongs in a toilet.
Unfortunately, the plumbing work extended all day long. It’s a lesson learned: you can’t ever trust a plumber’s timeline. By the time I finally dealt with the bag, I understood the true meaning of “shitbag.” My advice? Save that label for your worst enemy.
Further Reading
For more parenting stories, check out our post on home insemination kits and navigate the world of family planning. For those interested in pregnancy, you might find this resource helpful. Also, don’t forget to visit Modern Family Blog for expert insights on parenting.
In summary, this bizarre experience has taught me that parenting brings unexpected challenges—sometimes even in the most unusual forms. Embrace the chaos; it’s all part of the journey!