13 has always been my lucky number. I played a number of sports in my youth, and I always chose the number 13 when I had the opportunity. Many years of volleyball, basketball, and softball games bring memories of wearing 13 proudly on my jersey. For some reason, I always felt connected to the number.
Flash forward to this last month. It was Justin and my wedding anniversary, and we were lucky enough to spend the day out in Napa – just the two of us.
On our way driving out to wine country, we were reflecting on how crazy it feels to have been married for the last 13 years. While we’ve been together for almost 20, 13 years just seems like a lot and too little all at once. On one hand, it feels like I’ve known Justin forever, and on the other hand, it’s crazy to think that our wedding day was 13 years ago when it seems like just yesterday. Time is a crazy thing that way.
I mentioned to Justin that 13 has always been my lucky number. I felt like I had told him this before at some point or other in our relationship, but based on his response, it sounded like this was new news to him. “13 is your lucky number?!” he remarked. “Al, you know that 13 is not a lucky number, right? It’s actually the only number that is universally understood to be unlucky. Haven’t you ever noticed that most buildings don’t have a 13th floor?”
No, as a matter of fact, I hadn’t noticed, and I wasn’t about to let what was now news to me change the way I felt about my lucky number. 13 was, and has always been, a special number to me. And that day, the day of our THIRTEENTH Wedding Anniversary, was no different. We had the most remarkable anniversary celebration, spending time alone, talking about our the joys and challenges of our daily lives, laughing, smooching, and even strolling through the vineyards. We were lucky enough to steal some time alone that day, and it was such a gift.
Happy Lucky Not Unlucky #13 to the man of my dreams.
