The overseas trip I booked was 12 weeks away.

I looked at my US passport: it expires while I’ll be gone.

The State Department website indicated a 13-week turnaround time for renewals.

I hadn’t gotten them my documents in time.

I needed my passport in 12 weeks.

13 weeks wasn’t going to cut it.

…

The State Department is not:

• calling me 14 times and sending me 10 emails to make sure I get them my renewal documents

• fretting or stressing about my passport

• staying late or working weekends to turn my passport around faster

• upending their workflows to get mine taken care of

…

Rather, the State Department kindly offered Expedited Service for an additional $60.

To have it in 6 weeks.

I paid it with gratitude.