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The broken plunger

In the beginning, I only wanted to share alternate methods for unclogging a toilet with the world, if a plunger is unavailable, or happens to break during the action. This information is, as you might expect, based on my own experience.But then I realized I have more to say. It is important to be reminded that there is beauty, truth, bravery and adventure in our everyday lives. You are probably still thinking about the mysterious toilet tactics mentioned above, so here goes...

One evening, my husband broke our only plunger in an attempt to free yet another toilet clog created by our youngest (and only boy) child. I will add, just to set the scene, that the clog included "swimmers"dropped off at "the pool."

When my husband left to buy a new plunger, I went down to the bathroom to assess the situation independently. Upon viewing the clog, I felt an inspirational challenge quicken my pulse. I felt strangely compelled to find a way to fix the toilet and impress my husband by the time he returned.

After a few minutes research on the internet, I was very surprised to discover that others had faced my same challenge. Several techniques were recommended, which I decided to combine for the greatest chance of success. I began by pouring hot soapy water into the toilet, which further raised the stakes by bringing the swim team within an inch of leaving the pool.

I next employed the most exciting technique yielded by my research - multiple layers of Saran Wrap laid on tightly from different directions to completely seal in the bowl.

Then, a few minutes wait, to let the hot water and soap loosen the clog, before the final exhilarating step - a leap of faith, and CPR-style compressions on the layers of Saran Wrap covering the toilet bowl, which pressed the swim team up against the plastic in terrifying intervals.

After a vigorous attempt, set to the rhythm of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man," there was no sign of progress. I almost gave up. But this event happened during a low point in my life, and I needed a victory, however small.

With one final courageous push on the Saran Wrap, the clog freed, with an exuberant snorting sound that I will remember always. Victory was mine in one of the proudest moments of my 40 years.

I have heard from a few people my age that turning 40 is upsetting because they hadn't achieved what they hoped to by this age, or that they felt old. Forty-year-old people should be thankful to still be out walking around in the world, with their original set of knees, hopefully having gained some wisdom through a little life experience instead of feeling disappointed that some unrealistic youngster's dreams didn't come true.

The 20-year-old me would have been brave enough to take on a no-plunger toilet fix. She would have charged straight in. But she wouldn't have finessed it or savored the small victory as much as the 40-year-old me because experience has taught me that some problems in life have no solutions, and we should always be grateful when the bowl doesn't overflow.

- Deva Gallagher

Deva Gallagher is an artist/writer in Montana, where she lives with her Scottish husband and their three children.

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