Does this slightly disgusting thing look like it could be used to adjust attitudes? It did for me.
I had plans and a schedule yesterday. Everyone in the borough has to have their water meter replaced, so I made my appointment and knit while I waited for the plumber. He arrived an hour late and replaced the meter, but when he turned the water back on there was a fountain from the toilet and several inches of water on the floor in a matter of seconds. I grabbed towels to mop it up, turned off the water in the bathroom, and surveyed the situation. The plumber came up from the basement when he heard me yelling. He took a look and told me the part I needed to replace, assured me it was an easy 10 minute job, and I wouldn't have any problems. I'm always skeptical when someone says that, but I had to give it a try and headed for Lowe's.
While standing in the plumbing aisle looking for my needed part, I was surprised to see a friend who was also looking for toilet parts. We laughed, helped each other find what we needed, and I asked her if she was interested in meeting for lunch. She lost her husband in January, and I've been meaning to call her, but the road to hell is paved with many of my good intentions. We agreed to meet in a couple of hours and both went home to work on our repairs.
My repair was successful (with the help of several you tube videos), but lunch was even better. As my friend shared how her life had changed in so many ways she couldn't even anticipate, the inhumanity and callousness of lawyers, civil servants, and banks that she has had to deal with, she also shared that we had stumbled upon each other at just the right time. She was ready to go sit and cry in her car in Lowe's parking lot because she hadn't been able to get a plumber to fix her leaking toilet. I told her that she had come along at just the right time for me. I had big plans to finish my Hitchhiker, take some photos, write a post, and luxuriate in my FO, and I was angered beyond reason by the bathroom flood that waylaid my plans and schedule. She helped me put things in perspective and realize that my issues were simply minor molehill inconveniences that had been dealt with, not really the mountainous problems I had made them into.
So, here's my Hitchhiker, pretty much where I flung it down when the flood erupted. It's 6 rows and a cast-off away from completion, but I'm glad I learned a lesson today instead of checking it off my list. It will be finished soon enough, and I hope I'm reminded of the difference between minor inconveniences and real problems when I wear it.
Also, a big thank you to Kat for listening to me vent and her wonderful suggestions for this post. THANK YOU!
This is a wonderful post about perspective, Bonny. I'm so glad you met your friend in the aisle at Lowe's and that you got to catch up with her over lunch. Kat is pretty awesome, I agree.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad things turned around ... and that you shared the story with us. A change in perspective can be powerful. (and I'm quite impressed - as usual! - with your handy-woman skills!)
ReplyDeleteYou know, we find our "angels" when we need them, wherever we are in life. You and your friend? Both of you were "angels" yesterday. Life is good. Even when we think maybe it isn't. XO
ReplyDelete(Fluidmaster. Really? Isn't that the most perfect brand name ever?)
well well well, toilets are always breaking. I forget the amount of times we use them and take them for granted! I am lucky in that I buy the parts and my husband installs them (yay!). nice that you had a lunch and I agree Kat is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I daresay that you made your friend's day as well, spending time with her.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were there for each other.
P.S. The Hitchhiker will lovely.
Reading your post made me feel so grateful for my three brothers and my brother-in-law, who is like a 4th brother, who are always there to help with plumbing related things.
ReplyDeleteHow nice you met your friend just when you both needed each other!
Wonderful story/post. We all need that reminder occasionally. Perfect timing for meeting up with your friend - so glad you got to have lunch together. I do HATE plumbing issues - that's all I'm saying. Love the shade of blue for your Hitchhiker.
ReplyDeleteFriends are a very valuable commodity. Friends smooth the road, or take the bumps right along with you. I'm quite impressed you fixed the toilet yourself, You Tube to the rescue, or no. Hope today is much less eventful.
ReplyDeleteThat hitchhiker will be lovely - and your post is perfect! You can vent anytime you want!
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful, and I'm so glad you shared!! Your Hitchhiker is beautiful -- and will be a lovely reminder.
ReplyDelete