The incredible pressure of the first care package.

It looks like the Wolf will still be going on his business trip.  Even though the folks at the base hospital agree that I had legitimate concerns, they seem to feel that he is still fit for duty.  I have to trust them on that; they are the experts.

So, I am back to another stressful event: selecting and packing the first care package of this deployment.

Yes, I remember the two posts I wrote on Perfect being the Enemy of Good.  I am still stressing out over this.

I want to send him things that he will need, that he can't get over there.  I want to send him things that  will make him smile.  Most of all, I want to send him things that let him know that I still love him and support him, but don't imply that I am being needy.  I am strong enough to do this, he doesn't need to worry about me.

When he was starting his descent into the dark place, which I can now recognize better, I had mentioned casually some things that I was planning on sending (things I had already started buying, although I didn't tell him that).  He shot down *every*single*idea* that I put forth.  Looking back, I think he was just being bitter, starting the "pull away" already, but it still hurt.

So here I sit, with books, treats, t-shirts, toys, pillow cases and gag gifts spread out in front of me, wondering what to put into that first box that will make it special, make him laugh, and let him know that he is loved. 

Reminder: Free shipping of parcels to all deployed Canadian Troops using a "Station Forces" address, and to any deployed Canadian Ship, is in effect from October 26 2009 until January 15 2010, subject to normal size limits and all other rules.  Letter mail up to 500 grams is, always has been, and will continue to be free until at least December 31 2010.

Christmas parcels should be sent by mid November at the latest to ensure delivery by Christmas.