Shirts

Recently we holidayed on an Island.  It was beautiful.  It was one of those places that if you did not take it there was a good chance you would not have it.  I only told Merril this after I came back but there was something I forgot that I have never forgotten before.
Normally we go away for at least a week.  I am like a turtle.  I take heaps with me.  This time we were going for a short stay, so I was determined to pack light.  I did not realize my packing as light as I did was due in part to having forgotten something.  Merril saw what I was taking and was impressed as was I.  She assumed I had all I needed as did I.
It was only on the second day when I realized I wanted a different shirt that I realized I had not packed shirts.  All I had was the one I went to the Island in.  It being winter helped.  No matter what I wore it was covered by a jumper, so it was not realized underneath the jumper was the same shirt day after day.
We did have a washing session on the third day, so I included the shirt.  No one had to know I only had a jumper on.
It did make me take note of something though.  I came to appreciate how little I really need.  Certainly shirts are desirable, and at home I am spoiled for choice.  That was not the case on the Island.  I could not whip down to Kmart and get a few cheap shirts to tide me over.  I had to come up with a clever plan.  I am not sure it was clever, but it was a plan.
It got me thinking that when push comes to shove, I really can get by without some things I think are essential.  I would never deliberately forget shirts, but having done so, the sun did not stop shining or the earth did not stop spinning.
When I think about it there are few things that I absolutely must have.  Oxygen seems pretty important.  So does water and food.  Everything else sure is useful but I question if it I essential.
Did not having shirts stop me from having a good time?  Did it mean I needed to remain house bound the whole time?  No.  Everything we had in mind to do we did.
Goodness knows what it all means really.  Though I do know I will ensure I have shirts each time.  Apart from that it has shown me there is very little that is like the end of the world for me.
I may prefer to have it, but it is not essential I do.