Building on the Lucky Number Challenge

Summary

Julia A. Keirns reflects on the significance of numbers one through seven in her life, illustrating each with personal anecdotes and photographs.

Abstract

In response to Karen Schwartz's lucky number challenge, Julia A. Keirns shares a personal essay that explores the meaningful ways numbers one through seven have shaped her life. She recounts family relationships, significant life events, and personal possessions, each associated with a specific number. Through a series of candid photographs and heartfelt narratives, Keirns provides a glimpse into her experiences, from the singular relationship with her parents and children to the multiplicity of her siblings, marriages, and grandchildren. The essay is not only a reflection on her life's numerical symmetry but also an expression of gratitude for the richness of her experiences.

Opinions

Keirns values the unique and irreplaceable nature of her immediate family members, emphasizing the singularity of her parents and the joy of her daughter.
She cherishes the companionship of her pets, highlighting the bond with her two dogs.
Keirns acknowledges the challenges and blessings of her two marriages, with a particular fondness for her current husband, Rich.
She considers her three serious injuries since turning 50 as notable life events, alongside her achievements like making three pies for Thanksgiving.
Keirns reflects on childhood memories, such as being called "four eyes" and playing four-square, with a sense of nostalgia.
She takes pride in her five grandchildren and the symmetry of the number five in her life, including the cost of camping and her wedding anniversary month.
The number six represents significant milestones for Keirns, including her current and past living situations and her work history.
She enjoys variety in her life, as evidenced by her collection of seven types of liquor and seven hats, and she embraces the unpredictability of her preferences.

I only have/had one mother and one father. My father died in 1992. So now I only have one parent. I only have one sister who is thirteen years older than me. I gave birth to one daughter. I have only bought/owned one brand new car in my life. It was a 2014 Orange Dodge Dart for my 50th birthday. I loved that car.

One car. 2014 Dodge Dart. Photo taken by Rich.

I gave birth to three children (boy, girl, boy). I have three siblings (two brothers and one sister). I have seriously injured myself three times since I turned 50 (broken left leg, broken right knee, and broken right big toe) I have three grandsons. I have only been to three countries — America, Canada, and Mexico. Oh, I made three pies at Thanksgiving for the first time. I have never made pies before. They were really good.

Three Thanksgiving pies. Photo copyright Julia A. Keirns.

The motorhome has six tires and we had to buy all new when we bought it. There are six letters in my last name. We lived in our first motorhome for six months. We have lived in this motorhome now for six months. I have had six actual paying jobs in my life.

2nd motorhome with six tires, we have lived in for six months. Photo copyright Julia A. Keirns.

Building on the Lucky Number Challenge

What do the numbers 1 through 7 say about my life?

Build on the Lucky Number Challenge

What do the numbers one through seven say about your life?

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