Clean Rest Rooms

© shoutingforha

Several years ago, I wrote a post about my love of local art.  Of all the art that hangs in the Ha house, the one piece that get's the most attention is my Clean Rest Rooms poster from Hatch Show Print.  It seems to amuse both children and adults alike.

Like the majority of the objects in our home, there is a story that goes along with this bold red and white print.  Allow me to indulge myself...

When my boy was first learning to use the potty, he was extremely concerned with the cleanliness of the bathroom, especially the toilet.  If he deemed the toilet unclean, he would refuse to go potty.  His decision was unwavering.  

Anytime we went to a friend's house, the boy would provide a running commentary on the state of their bathroom.  His favorite potty away from home belonged to our neighbor.  He would frequently tell me, "Mama, they have a really clean potty."

The boy started going to a Mother's Day Out when he was two.  Let me tell you, the little fellow loved it.  He would march into his classroom, smiling from ear to ear, ready for fun.  All that changed when he started Pre-K.  

Unlike the rest of the classrooms, the Pre-K had it's own bathroom.  On the first day of school, the boy informed me that he had to use the potty right as we were walking into school.  We made a beeline for the bathroom and, once inside, the little guy started freaking out about the potty.  

I poked my head into the stall to see what the problem was and immediately noticed that the potty, though quite clean, was rather old.  The porcelain had begun to wear off in places giving it a dingy look.  After I had assured the boy that the potty was clean, I ushered him  into his classroom and went about my morning.  

The next day, I noticed that the boy seemed to be dreading going to school.  When I asked him what was wrong, he brought up the dirty potty.  I suggested that we look at the bathroom once we got to school.  

Imagine my delight when we walked into the bathroom and notice that the old potty had been removed.  In it's place was a nice, new, shiny white potty.  We did a little happy dance and gave thanks to Jesus for the clean toilet. 

I was convinced that the crying days were behind us.  I was wrong.  The boy sobbed every time I dropped him at school because of that stupid old potty.  The one they threw away.  It was horrible.

For my birthday the summer after the boy finished Pre-K, the hubby gave me the Clean Rest Rooms poster.  He had it signed by Jim Sheridan, Chief Designer and Archivist.  The inscription reads, "For [Mrs. Ha], This poster is just a suggestion..."

Needless to say, I was thrilled.  The print hangs in a prominent spot in our den.  Every time I look at it, I am reminded of that little boy and his love of a clean toilet.