I Have A Thing With 6s and 9s

My attempt to determine what the numbers mean

It all began when my marriage unraveled. Or at least that’s when I started noticing them.

The 6s and 9s.

Combinations of these two numbers popped up everywhere. On billboards. Highway markers. Clocks. License plates. Especially license plates. It seemed bizarre that so many license plates had a combination of 6 and 9 on them.

I wasn’t sure what to make of them so I took the sighting as odd coincidences. But there are no coincidences, right?

The frequency of spotting these two numbers together kept ramping up. It hit an all-time high when my soon-to-be ex-husband and I drove to what would be our last couples therapy session together. I saw this combo 25 times.

It’s only a 20-minute drive.

Something or someone wanted to get my attention.

I’d heard about angel numbers so I googled the meaning of 6 and 9. The 9 made complete sense. It signifies endings or completions. My marriage certainly fit that. The meaning of 6 made sense too, as it represents family and communication. I ascertained that seeing these numbers together marked the end of my marriage and my family as I knew it.

The message seemed like a green light of sorts so I began making plans to move out. I figured with my decision set, I’d stop seeing these numbers.

But I haven’t. They’re as steady as ever.

When I set out to find an apartment I faced rejection after rejection. No one would rent to me. I’d lived in a house for 25 years and had no rental history. I worked a part-time job so I’m sure to prospective landlords my income looked sketchy. When I mentioned that my soon-to-be ex said he’d help pay my rent I got a lot of Yeah right. Heard one that before looks.

I took a step back to assess my situation and realized I’d gone into this search with a desperate rather than confident tone in my voice. I must have sounded as sketchy as my paycheck. I went into the next meeting with a straighter spine and a calmer voice. This time the landlord listened to my story. He nodded. He looked me straight in the eye and said Yes.

The number on his building?

1696.

Next, I needed a full-time job. I attempted to get back into the field of work I did straight out of college. I thought it’d be the best path toward providing an income where I could support myself.

But all I heard were Nos. You’ve been out of the field too long. You’re out of touch with the trends. You’re behind on all the latest technical knowledge.

So I reflected on what I do well now and then pivoted towards something that aligned with the work I performed in my part-time job. I spied a listing on Indeed that sounded like a great fit. When I arrived for my interview two trash cans imprinted with a string of numbers beginning with 96 sat in front of the building. A motorcycle parked in the lobby had the number 996 on it.

I got the job.

Then I started seeing 6 and 9 combos in connection with people. Almost every new person I’ve met who’s played a significant role in my life now has some form of a 6 and 9 combo associated with them.

My first boyfriend after my divorce? House number 926.

A new significant friend’s telephone number? It has 6969 in it.

A brief yet meaningful encounter with a man who read my entire blog? His license plate ends in 699.

A Medium friend I met IRL? House number 906.

Beyond these significant events and people, there’s a whole other realm where they show up. They pop up in regular everyday places too.

I see them on city buses. My word count when I finish a story. The total amount due on receipts. My unread email notifications.

When I first saw these numbers together, the angel number meanings of endings and family seemed to fit. But in all these other places? I’m left scratching my head. Why are they showing up with people and at random times? I figured there must be a message but I had no idea what it was.

I struggled to understand and often found myself calling out, What are you trying to tell me? What’s the message? My frustration grew until one day I threw up my hands and decided upon their arrival to simply say a quiet Thank you.

I have no idea what you’re trying to say but thank you for being here with me.

I’ve been on this thanking spree for a few years now and I’m noticing a curious thing. Each time this combo pops up, I pause if only briefly. I smile. I express gratitude. And when I do, I see more of them.

Hmmm.

A spark of illumination then struck. Maybe they’re simply little flashing reminders of the importance of gratitude. To be grateful for that apartment. That job.

Those people.

For everyday moments.

kasey sparks, © 2023

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