My Dad turned 76 today.
My brother is 44 next weekend.
We made them a half carrot, half chocolate cake to celebrate their 120 years of combined magnificence.
Family.
These things that can be grounding, pedestrian, reliable, bask in the realm of miracles and wonder when you get old enough to understand how damn lucky you are to have them, to be here now.
Here.
31 years down the line with my man.
He turned 50 in July, we've been married for 19 years this month, together for 12 before that. So many numbers, just numbers, but translated into years and months and days together? I mean, talk about miracles.
On the subject of numbers...
Two weeks ago I bought a raffle ticket at a local fair. Standing in the queue to fill in my details on the sheet I overheard two ladies behind me. One was very concerned that someone else would take her lucky number before she got to claim it on the form.
This got me thinking about what number I would choose - I don't really have a 'lucky' one.
I was handed the sheet open in the 40's. I'll take 47 I thought, it's my age this year so why not.
Then I heard the whispering behind me again and I turned to the worried woman: What's your number? I asked, so I don't take it accidentally.
47, she said.
You know that moment when the world just slows a little? This is so weird I thought. So weird!
Then I filled in number 48 and we joked about her winning and I went about my day.
This afternoon I got a phone call. 48 drew for the main prize.
It's a romantic weekend away in an amazing location.
I mean, what benevolent karmic gods of glorious fuck did I awaken with that one??
3 comments:
As I read about numbers it struck me I'm 6 years younger than your dad! I don't usually consider my age, which is often a surprise when I look in the mirror unprepared.
There was some sort of karmic force at work with your number.
OMG. I love that story. My number would have been 22, though I am also partial to 72 and 27 and 272, though those are more my sister's numbers (she was born in '72) yet it feels like I see them everywhere - on license plates and signs and such.
Happy birthday to your dad. And your brother. And as always, what a lovely cake you made. <3
Loved that karmic twist. Brilliant.
I too ponder the miracle of marriage to the love of my life, for almost 30 years this month (New Years Eve). At this point, I'm just happy to be here.
Thank you for the comment on my post about JoAnne. Sadly, her parents have died but, since my brother eventually married her sister, I share two nieces with JoAnne. Although we live far apart, I am very close with one of them and I've been thinking about sharing it with her. If only she had known her Aunt JoAnne.
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