Big Family
After an overnight flight to meet my father at his latest military
assignment, my mother wearily arrived at Rhein-Main Air Base in
Germany with my eight siblings and me -- all under age 11.
Collecting our many suitcases, the ten of us entered the cramped
customs area. A young customs official watched our entourage in
disbelief, ''Ma'am,'' he said, ''do all these children and this
luggage belong to you?''
''Yes, sir,'' my mother said with a sigh, ''they're all
mine.''
The customs agent began his interrogation: ''Ma'am, do you have
any weapons, contraband or illegal drugs in your possession?''
''Sir,'' she calmly answered, ''if I'd had any of those items, I
would have used them by now.''