At the risk of sounding really, really, really old, when I was a child we did not have toilet paper. We didn't have a bathroom for that matter. What we had was a well ventilated outhouse, especially in the wintertime! I know some of you will have similar memories, while others are probably appalled. To my childhood mind, the lack of indoor plumbing and toilet paper did not make us poor since all our neighbours had the same. My grandmother told us that when she was a child they had to go to the bush! We really had nothing to complain about. Of course toilet paper was not unknown to us, but it was beyond our family budget. Instead we had last year's Eaton's or Simpson's catalogue. It was the 1950s form of recycling paper I guess.
At S.S. # 2 Eastnor school, toilet paper was provided but students were always cautioned to use it sparingly. I can still here the teacher saying to use "just one square!" We didn't.
In preparation for a trip to Honduras for a World Accord build last January, one of the things we were told to take with us was toilet paper. In that not-so-far-away part of the world, T-paper is still a luxury item for many people and not readily available, so we should bring our own. We did.
How many people in our world today still do not have toilet paper, I wonder? How many people use an old catalogue or newspaper, or magazine or whatever they can find? Probably millions. How many people must go beyond the treeline to relieve themselves, then use leaves or long grass?
Some readers may find this a weird post and wonder what on earth I was thinking, but I am grateful for a heated, indoor washroom with hot and cold running water and flush toilets, especially on nights like tonight when there is a cold wind blowing with snow in the air,. And I am thankful for a cupboard well stocked with toilet paper. I do not want to forget the disparity in which we live or take this simple item for granted.
Do we realize the myriad ways in which we are fortunate?
Posted by Carman
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My memories exactly and also my sentiments. Shirley
ReplyDeleteI too can remmeber using the "re-cycled paper" in our out door castle. In the summer if we were away from the out house we used burdock leaves or what ever was handy. I too am thankful for toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shirley and Anonymous. I have also hear from others who remember the old days and old ways, but did not wish to comment here for reasons unknown. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who remembers how much life has changed in our lifetime. We have much to be thankful for.
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