Blame this on my alto buddy who reminded me of the story.

My father used to say that if you’re going to take the road less traveled, take a roll of toilet paper, just in case. I had a neighbor who carried half a roll in her purse at all times. On the day our diocesan choir traveled to Washington, DC, to sing in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, I was sorry I didn’t pay attention to them.

 We had already made our half-way pit stop – to eat –when we discovered there was no more toilet paper in the bus restroom, nor was there any backup anywhere on the bus. We quickly ran out of napkins, and searched purses and pockets for any kind of alternative.You can only imagine how relieved we were to finally arrive at the Basilica, an awe-inspiring house of worship with excellent facilities!

 And since necessity is the mother of invention, we were again relieved to have a modest, but very holy two roll supply of toilet paper for our trip home. The names of the suppliers will not be revealed to protect their welcome at the Basilica on our next trip – for which I will be sure to pack a roll in my music bag!

 At times like these I remember my Aunt Evelyn, the queen of stockpiling, who always had what you needed in her purse, especially if it was a plastic rain bonnet! But honestly, if there is anything I’d like to stockpile, it’s memories – all the happy, funny, far-out, sad, and silly times spent with family and friends. For me, that’s what life, and writing, is really all about