Brenda’s Blog – April 1, 2014
“Hmmmm, wonder what that sound is…” The distinct sound of running water intrigued me as I emptied my suitcases from two weeks on the road. Putting on my grown-up self, I followed the sound to the front porch where I found a glorious new water feature. But wait, I didn’t have a water fall added to my house!
Yes, a broken pipe was allowing water to flow abundantly down to the ground creating a pool…
So, what did I learn?
1) The kindness of neighbors brings immeasurable relief, especially when they can manage the main water cutoff;
2) Plumbers who call at 6:30 am are received with great appreciation.
3) Life is much like frozen pipes. What?
When our circumstances get difficult we seem to handle them well. We don’t show the strain or the stress… we look good. We adopt the “don’t ever let them see you sweat.” We push through.
Then, the pressure is off and we crater. A good friend had a particularly rigorous schedule for the last month. When he finished the last activity, an unmerciful virus felled him. He said he felt like it just caught up to him. When he was running hard he couldn’t stop to be sick, but the minute he let up – wham!
The same is true for my pipe. The break occurred during the subzero weather, but the frozen water held it together. Only when the temperature rose, and the melting began, did the pipe let go and release the water. It looked so promising as I checked it during the arctic weather, but only when the sun came out did I realize the damage.
“I am concerned about you when your parents are both gone.” My doctor’s words alerted me to the frequency of illness after a long caregiving period. “Make sure you keep your immune system in shape and prepare for the decompression time.” I made plans to navigate those post-caregiving waters to avoid the crash, knowing the seven years of living in the red zone might threaten my health.
Could I have prevented the break? I encased it in -30 wrap and spoke words of encouragement after each storm. “Way to go, pipes, you are doing a GREAT job!” But the builder of this house left them exposed and no amount of TLC could ensure their safety. We are the same way. Our environment plays a large part in the way we handle pressure. When we put ourselves into no win situations, we are usually left with damage control, hoping a “life plumber” will come quickly.
Plumber is gone; water is running; and, I am thankful for broken pipes which teach me the truths of everyday living.