The summer job I worked during my college years was that of a laborer with a local moving company.  There were more than a few long days loading and unloading trucks, most of these involved household goods belonging to families as they transitioned throughout the National Capital Region.

While it was hard work, and nearly 30 years ago, I still think back to a simpler time and laugh at some of the experiences that occurred.

A normal day consisted of a “show time” at 6:00 AM, the dispatcher providing our assignments for the day soon afterward, and generally heading down the road by 6:30. Days would generally continue to late in the afternoon, with some lasting well into the evening.

I recall one morning the dispatcher had pulled three of us aside about 6:15 and to informed us about our task.  We would be moving a woman and her two children from one apartment to another with the two separated by a mile or two. 

It was to be a fairly simple move, but there was a catch. 

Even though the family lived just a couple of miles from our office, we were under NO circumstances to pull into the parking lot before 8:00 and arrive no later than 8:15.  The move needed to be complete, paperwork included, no later than 4:00.  And lastly, we were not to ask any questions as to why they were moving.  If the lady didn’t provide the reason at any point, the dispatcher would let us know the next time we crossed paths.

The dispatcher knew to mention this last detail, mainly because folks would generally bring it up as part of a casual conversation. But with a statement like that, we were more than curious, but we followed orders, especially since he swore to fill us in at some point afterward. 

We pulled into the complex a couple minutes after 8:00 and found the young lady waiting in front of her building.  After exchanging pleasantries, we confirmed our task with one added stipulation … there was one closet that had been tied closed that we were not to touch.  They were personal effects she wanted to take care of herself. This in itself was a normal request that many folks make, and those effects are usually something expensive or personal in nature … jewelry, old family photos, etc … so we didn’t think much of it.

The day proved to be fairly easy.  Both places were three bedroom apartments, both on the first floor, both had a fairly short walk, and since it was a one-day move we could leave non-breakables such as clothes right in their cabinets.  With the three of us working together on multiple occasions, we knew our habits, so things went just that much more smoothly.

By the time the move was complete, with paperwork was signed, a check written, and the truck doors closed, our watches read just about 2:45.  With nothing broken or lost, and the fact we were done way ahead of schedule, this young lady began to praise our efforts.  Overall, it was a really good day.

Then, as we were about to go our separate ways, this young woman handed each of us a $20 bill and asked if we knew why she was moving.

We admitted that we didn’t, informed her of our dispatchers instructions, and confessed that we were curious. 

She then smiled and said, “I would like to thank you for helping me leave my husband.  The closet that was tied shut is filled with his belongings.  He’ll normally returns home from work shortly after 5:00, and I expect he’ll be a little surprised.”