Packed Into A Corner

About four hours before my estimated time of departure, my wife Kate asked if I had packed. “No I didn’t, but it’s no big deal,” I said. “I’ll just throw a few things in the suitcase and be ready in no time.”  

It was the wrong response.  “Are you freaking kidding me?” she said. “You’re about to go on the road for two months and you didn’t even think about what you’re taking.  What about weather?  What about medications?  Do I have to think of everything for you?”

She didn’t wait for a response because we both knew the answer.  She started packing for me.  After about an hour, she called me to the bedroom for a briefing.  By using an intricate system of mini bags, levers and pulleys, she was able to find three times more packing space than I would have.  She packed underwear, dress shirts, shoes, suits, formal wear, gardening equipment, light machinery and Uno, the fun card game for the entire family. The system was so intricate that she created an instructional video for me.

While I was grateful for her efforts, I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I’d likely only use those three or four items I would have packed myself.  Some things never change. 

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