A Pot to Pee In

It seems like something is missing!

Having faced numerous health challenges over the years, I have gradually amassed an extensive array of medical supplies at home, ensuring I am fully equipped to handle emergencies or recovery situations. My collection ranges from essential first aid items such as bandages, alcohol wipes, and numbing spray to more specialized devices like a blood pressure monitor, walkers, and even a wheelchair. This stash of equipment enables me to react promptly and efficiently to unexpected health concerns affecting myself, family, or friends. Through experience, I have come to appreciate how vital it is to have appropriate medical tools readily accessible, particularly when insurance may not cover what someone needs. Whether it involves managing ongoing medical conditions, tracking vital statistics, or supporting home recuperation, keeping these resources nearby has saved a great deal of time and money.

Not long ago, a friend borrowed two walkers and a bed rail from me as she was recovering from back surgery. Witnessing how these straightforward aids positively influenced her recuperation was truly rewarding. She initially struggled to move around her house, but the suitable walker enabled her to gradually regain both mobility and confidence. Meanwhile, the bed rail allowed her to transition safely from sleeping in her recliner to sleeping in bed, as it provided secure support for getting in and out independently without fear of falling. Being able to assist during her recovery was fulfilling, and this experience strengthened my understanding of the importance of community support and the generous sharing of medical resources when someone close to you is in need.

A month ago, Sue moved in with us as she awaited neck surgery, and having appropriate medical supplies readily accessible was a blessing. As Sue adapted to a temporary routine, she felt reassured knowing all essential equipment was at hand to meet her needs. Our home became a supportive environment where she could rest and receive care comfortably, with the medical tools significantly alleviating everyday challenges, such as bathroom use and showering. Beyond physical assistance, this experience strengthened our relationship as we patiently and compassionately faced uncertainties together. That period highlighted both the importance of having adequate medical equipment at home and how essential support and compassion are to the healing process.

When Sue lost the use of her left arm and right leg, she was no longer able to use the walker to reach the bathroom inside our house. We then had to rely on her wheelchair for movement, only to discover it couldn’t fit through the narrow bathroom doorway. Unfortunately, I did not have a commode among my medical supplies, so I needed to find one promptly. With only a week until her surgery, I aimed to avoid high rental costs and instead searched Facebook Marketplace. Finding no affordable options there, I turned to the Evergreen Thrift Shop inside our church to seek a solution.

The following morning, I jumped into my car to check if Evergreen Thrift Shop had a commode tucked away among the medical supplies they stored in a back hallway. After exchanging greetings with the volunteers, I began rummaging through the diverse assortment of donated healthcare equipment carefully arranged in a dimply lit corner. The collection included everything from walkers and canes to wheelchairs and crutches, each piece carrying its own history of prior use and hope for reuse. At the rear of the pile, I noticed a commode and started moving items aside to access it. After a considerable amount of rearranging, I finally reached it, only to discover that the bottom of its pot had been cut out. What on earth!

Knowing I urgently needed a commode, I grabbed it and made my way to the glass room, hoping to find a replacement pot among the various items there. To the astonishment of a nearby shopper, I plopped the commode down on the floor while scanning the shelves for a suitable pot. On the highest shelf, I discovered a brown liner from an old electric crock pot that looked to be just the right size. I grabbed the crock and fitted it snugly inside the commode. As the elderly shopper looked on with disdain, I returned to the shelf to find an appropriate lid. Quickly locating one, I placed it on the pot and then lowered the seat. Perfect fit! With a cheeky smirk and a wink at the astonished spectator, I grabbed my find and briskly left the room. Not only had I secured an affordable commode, but I also walked away with a story of patience, creativity, and the unexpected treasures nestled within Evergreen Thrift Shop!

I returned home proudly, clutching the makeshift commode I had hastily assembled, and with a triumphant grin announced to Sue, "Here's a pot to pee in!" It was a quirky declaration, but given the medical emergency, my impromptu solution felt like a small victory. Sue’s eyes grew wide in amused surprise, and we both burst into laughter, embracing the absurdity of the moment. While hardly elegant, that simple pot served as a reminder that occasionally, a bit of ingenuity combined with humor is the most effective way to handle life’s exasperating challenges.

The crock pot with lid is a perfect fit!