February 28 – “Shipping inheritables”

We took the last of the inheritables (that would be the stuff Chris’ Mom left in her will to Chris and her siblings) over to UPS yesterday to get them packed and ready for shipping out to Virginia to Chris’ sister.  It didn’t seem like all that much once we got it in some boxes to carry over there.  They were going to do the actual wrapping and packing, so we just needed something to carry it all in. It took three boxes plus the big glass display case that the homemade doll called home. 

Now that’s what it took us.  We dropped it all off around ten in the morning, and I knew we were in trouble when they said the glass case had to go by itself in a huge box to make sure it didn’t break in transit.  Made perfect sense, but when they told us how much just that box would cost, I knew this was going to be a bit hit.  We left the stuff with them for the day so they could get it all packed and weighed.  They also asked if it was OK with us to wait until Monday to do the actual shipping.  Otherwise it would sit in a warehouse somewhere until Monday anyway. 

They finally called back last night with the totals.  Five boxes.  Packing and shipping to Virginia.  The total cost was a little over twice what we expected.  The problem came in the weight of the five Aladdin lamps and the heavy lead crystal glasses.  Well, along with that crazy sized and shaped glass doll display case.  Ouch.  They did ask if we were members of AAA or AARP.  Chris hastened to inform them that we were both.  That means we’ll get a little bit of a break on the packing part.  But as expensive as it is, we’ll take whatever we can get.  In fact, I’ll be happy to search my wallet for some other letters to see what other discounts we can qualify for.  I know there’s a CCA card in there (Coastal Conservation Association).  Oh, and there’s the FFC (Federation of Fire Chaplains).  Can’t forget BCBST (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas).  I’m not sensing any takers yet …

Psalms 145:8 says, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”

Father, thank you that memories cost so much less to ship, yet are worth so much more.  Amen.