Mom, where do care packages come from?

Care packages originated in Yugoslavia during World War II after the Slavics, who were suffering through severe food shortages, called for the support of the United States. The US quickly responded to Yugoslavia’s wishes by sending food and medical supplies in tins. However, one package arrived without any labels. Turns out it was a powder base, and a hungry Yugoslavian family believed it was a food supplement, so they added the mysterious ingredient to their meals and found that it added some flavor to their food. Several weeks after finishing the tin, a letter arrived, describing the nature of the package.

“Grandmother has passed away,” it began, “and she wished to be cremated so that we may send the remains back to Yugoslavia.”

Sounds like the old saying still rings true: Be careful what you wish for.