When I found myself in the throes of single motherhood, I could have easily called for help. Instead, I made the choice to take matters into my own hands. I settled myself in the backyard, phone in one hand and a rusty wrench at my feet, ready to tackle a stubborn outdoor faucet. My secret weapon? YouTube.
After my divorce, I was determined to maintain some semblance of normalcy for my children. Part of that meant keeping them in the home they had always known. However, amidst the chaos of closing deals and legal paperwork, I didn’t fully grasp the challenges of maintaining an almost-century-old house without any assistance.
I’ve always considered myself fairly independent, but the reality was that my living situation had largely involved relying on others. Growing up, I lived with my parents; in college, I rented apartments. When something broke, it was easy—I’d just call the landlord. When I bought my first home, I had a partner who handled repairs, whether through his own efforts or by finding professionals. I certainly wasn’t a home improvement expert.
Once the paperwork was finalized and spring arrived, I realized my children were eager to play outside. The only issue? Our outdoor faucet had developed a relentless leak, prompting me to turn off the water supply the previous fall. It was time for a fix.
“Just hire a plumber,” my well-meaning friend, Mia, suggested. But that felt excessive for a mere dripping faucet. I wasn’t keen on repeating the experience of having an electrician come out just to flip a fuse switch for $150.
So, like many curious learners, I turned to YouTube. If there were tutorials on opening blind bags, surely there were guides on how to repair a leaky faucet.
And that’s how I found myself one afternoon, phone propped on a piece of flagstone, determined to conquer my plumbing challenge. I didn’t need a partner; I had an entire community of skilled individuals at my disposal. If one explanation didn’t resonate, I simply switched to another video. It was a liberating experience.
It took some time, but eventually, I found a tutorial featuring a faucet identical to mine. Armed with just an old wrench, which I unearthed from a cabinet, I watched as the instructor patiently demonstrated each step. He paused whenever I needed him to and repeated instructions as often as I required. It was the perfect learning experience.
With perseverance, I managed to disassemble the faucet and followed the video’s advice to take the rusty piece to a plumbing supply store for new parts. Not a big box store—an actual plumbing supply shop. I had to Google the location, but it was worth it.
Upon entering the store, I was pleasantly surprised by the support offered. Within moments, several employees were eager to assist me, inquiring about my plumbing needs and testing various washers for my worn-out faucet. One kind plumber even offered his contact number, suggesting I reach out if I faced difficulties. While I appreciated the gesture, I was confident that YouTube and I had everything under control.
After a few final adjustments, I rushed to the basement, turned on the main water line, and dashed back outside. Holding my breath, I gripped the handle and turned it. Water flowed freely and stopped immediately when I turned it back. My triumphant scream startled the neighbor, who paused his gardening to look over.
This victory was monumental. More than just fixing a faucet, it symbolized my ability to manage our household on my own.
Since that day, my YouTube adventures have expanded. I’ve successfully assembled a gas grill, installed storm doors, thawed frozen pipes, repaired broken windows, and even learned to use tools I never thought I could handle. YouTube has become an invaluable resource, complementing the support from friends and family in my journey as a single mom.
While I wouldn’t turn down help if it were available, my divorce has taught me about my own capabilities. I’ve discovered the thrill of stepping outside my comfort zone and succeeding. Until the day comes when I’m not solely responsible for my home, I’ll keep turning to YouTube—not just for DIY projects, but for everything from parenting tips to exploring new hobbies.
For those interested in expanding their family, consider checking out this home insemination kit for additional support. If you have concerns about your children’s health, this resource offers excellent information on dealing with common issues. And if you’re looking for guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC provides helpful answers to common questions.
In summary, YouTube has been a game-changer for me as a single mother, empowering me to tackle home repairs and embrace my independence. The experience has taught me that I am capable of much more than I ever imagined, leading me to a newfound confidence in navigating life’s challenges.