Ever have a memorable moment in a public restroom?
Years ago, my ex and I and three daughters lived in New Hampshire. My parents and family lived in Ohio, easily a 12-hour drive. When we went for a visit, I knew the girls and I would be in for a difficult trip.
My ex-husband wasn’t the most understanding person. On a long trip, when it came time for potty stops, even his limited understanding flew out the window. I still don’t understand why, unless it was because he was raised an only child and his family’s trips were peaceful.
I only know when I was driving, I stopped when anyone had to go. When he was driving, we stopped when he had to go. Period.
Anyway, I remember one grueling trip to Ohio. I had been holding it for two hours. It was 9:30 at night, still hot outside, and the girls were asleep in the back seat. Each time I asked him to stop, his answer was, “Just a little longer. I’m making good time. Be patient.”
“I really have to go. I’m three clicks past patient. Stop at the next rest area, or I’m going to pee on the car seat!”
“You know as well as I do, if I stop, the girls will wake up. Then it’ll be noisy and I won’t be able to concentrate on driving.”
“I don’t care if they DO wake up. They should probably pee, too! Who knows how long it will be before you stop again. Besides, I’ll be glad to drive.”
When he finally pulled into a rest stop, I was five clicks past patient and I couldn’t hold it any longer. The girls were still sleeping, so I jumped out of the car and sprinted up the walkway into the building.
Once I washed my hands, I’d go back and wake the girls so they could go, too.
I was never so glad to see an empty toilet stall in my life! My exhilaration was short-lived though. As I was fighting the toilet paper dispenser to get a few usable squares, I heard a loud whispered voice.
“Cath? Hey, Cath’ … you’re in the men’s room …
I think that was the last time we invited him to come along ….
Poet/Writer/Author of 5 books.
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I remember one trip when I was pregnant. My ex and I were visiting friends and relatives up in the mountains and I had to pee real bad! We saw an outhouse, so we stopped. I had no other choice! We were in the middle of nowhere! Now, I can't seem to remember if this was the same day the car broke down in the mountains and we started to walk to his friend's place. A neighbor saw us and realized who we were and picked us up and took us to the friend's place or to her place. Again, I can't seem to remember that much. I do remember it was freezing! My whole body was freezing cold, especially my feet, since I had no boots on! And there was snow everywhere! But wait until I tell you about Buffalo, N.Y.!