My Life in Seven Numbers
A Response to Karen Schwartz’s number challenge
First, thanks to Karen Schwartz for this rethinking of an original challenge from Keeley Schroder.
1. I was blessed with one daughter — who has grown into a beautiful, independent, hard-working woman. Can you tell I’m proud of her yet?
I also have one loving partner in my life. I love looking into her blue eyes and hearing her laugh. That’s all the riches I need.
2. I had two siblings, and brother and sister. Sadly, my brother passed away at just 55 years old, leaving a wife, three children and five grandchildren.
My sister and I are left to carry on our family musical legacy. We live apart now, but still sing and play guitar when we get together.
Also, 2 is the number of cats we used to have. They were sisters. Custard, a tuxedo and Pudding, a solid black cat were our rescue cats. Pudding, sadly died of an aortic thrombus leaving Custard alone. We still miss our little Pudding.
3. The number of eggs I eat when I scramble eggs. I use three yolks and two whites. Try it. The eggs are fluffier that way. Don’t judge me!
4. I have four grandchildren who are as different as if they were born to different families. They are all voracious readers and good students which makes me extremely happy.
5. My brother and I share the 23rd as a birthdate, although our birthdays fall in different months. Add 2+3 and you get 5. It’s our number because I say so.
6. The number of years I’ve been living with my partner. We laugh a lot. One of my favorite things to say to her is, “I love your giggle.” Come on, don’t roll your eyes at me. I’m allowed to be corny when talking about her! You people are brutal!
7. For some, the number seven has the meaning of perfection, safety, security and rest. Now, entering the sixth year of retirement, there’s a peace within that I just didn’t have while in the stressful work world. And although I don’t think life can ever be perfect, there is a feeling of rest and comfort found in looking back peacefully on the past as unchangeable, living perceptively and actively in the moment, and looking at each new day not as something owed or promised, but as a gift. I’ll let that be my 7.
I would miss a big chance if I didn’t thank Karen Schwartz for this introspective challenge. It makes you think. And also, a big thanks to Keeley Schroder who just seems to have a gift for challenges.
Here’s Karen’s answers and Keeley’s original March Madness Challenge: