Worldly Goods (a late post from last week)

Worldly Goods.

Maya could pack forever.  Each item and its relative merits discussed endlessly.  Until it is decided, and then it is over.  Packing list states: “3 short sleeve shirts”  Maya grabs three shirts and packs them neatly.  To another mother, this would mean that we get to move on to the next item on the list.  For Maya, those three are only place holders until the final three are chosen.  They will do incase an emergency strikes and we must leave the house before the correct process can be followed.  Failing that, we are nowhere close to checking that box.  First, she will go to the attic and set eyes on all short sleeved shirts, pick the final six, line them up from most to least favorite, most to least likely to outgrow, most to least comfortable, most to least able to go under another shirt, most to least matching already picked out (another story entirely) pants.  After viewing all six shirts in all relevant orders, decisions are made.  The final three are chosen.  This hour was not wasted.  There will be no second guessing choices so thoroughly explored. 

Always interesting to me are the things that must go, but must not be packed until the last minute.  For Maya, her stuffed kitty, her hairbrush, her mp3 player.  For Gabe, electronics, kindle, tablet, headphones.  For me, my house shoes and  the many books I am dependant on for nighttime solace. 

We will live out of these 70 pounds of stuff for half a year in a cold climate and never want.  Before there was a Maya we three Whits came to this country with a suitcase each.  I can’t wait to do it again!