Fast Passport Renewal - kudos to State Dept.

A few weeks ago, my son's passport was up for renewal. I always think that being without a passport is like being a man without a country, you can't travel, especially places we want to go. So, with much effort, I put together all the documents required for a child whose parents are divorced and whose father refuses to sign the forms, the required court orders, and official documents demonstrating that he and I are who we claim to be, the updated photograph, and checks. The local post office was very organized, and was happy that I had brought originals plus copies, and they were ready for us and our appointment. As always, we paid for the expedite fee, and sent it off, thinking it would take several weeks to see the new passport. So, over the next few days I began to watch the passport website to see the status but found nothing, as if the documents had never arrived. I was nervous, because five years ago it took weeks to get it back and required phone calls about the court orders, and fear that it would not arrive in time for us to travel. But then, miraculously, the new passport arrived on our doorstep - only seven days from when it was sent out. Amazing. truly. Great job State Department. You've really come a long way.