Both of my pregnancies went well past their due dates, so you would think I would have been well-prepared with my bags packed. I wasn't. I did do some packing, a change of underwear, a nightgown, something to wear home and something for the baby to wear home. But I didn't have any special lotions or books or music or candies. I didn't put a lot of thought into those bags, I admit.
Many years later, I packed another bag. It had a change of clothes for me and my son, a couple of toothbrushes and some cash. I kept it in the trunk of my car for a few months, not sure when I might need to quickly leave a house where it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay. I did need to use that bag once, alone, and I was glad it was there many other nights. It was like the life rings along the pool, you hope you will never need them, but having them there makes you feel safer.
Over the last few months I've often taken a packed bag with me on a visit to my father's house, not sure what situation I would find and how long I might need to stay. A few times my sisters and I have had an impromptu sleepover, sitting up late in our childhood home wondering together what the future will bring. Having a bag ready has given me those comforting nights.
Now, I've started to pack a bag again. This time so that I can quickly make a trip to meet my first grandchild. I want to be ready when the call comes. I'll get my toiletries together, a change of clothes, something to sleep in. I know I'll be excited and worry that I'll forget some essential item (like my contact lens case!)
All of these life transitions have needed bags. These little duffels that hold just enough to hold you over for a couple of days, the bare essentials, the minimum you would need to get through. It would be good to strip many things in my life down to the minimum, the bare essentials.
Thinking about packing bags brings to my mind this great song by Nancy Griffith, "Things I Don't Need," with these lyrics:
Like a bag you unpack at the end of a trip
You're wondering why did I take all of this?
These things I don't need, weigh me down
I woke up today and I made up my mind
From now on I'll leave all those things I don't need behind
