After an overnight flight to meet my father at his latest military assignment my mother wearily arrived at Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany with my eight siblings and me -- all under age 11. Collecting our many suitcases the ten of us entered the cramped customs area. A young customs official watched our entourage in disbelief ''Ma'am'' he said ''do all these children and this luggage belong to you?'' ''Yes sir'' my mother said with a sigh ''they're all mine.'' The customs agent began his interrogation: ''Ma'am do you have any weapons contraband or illegal drugs in your possession?'' ''Sir'' she calmly answered ''if I'd had any of those items I would have used them by now.''