I am one of those fortunate people who was born lucky. I think our mothers called it “born under a sunbeam,” the opposite of “born under a storm cloud.” I was the kid who rarely got in trouble, even when I deserved it.
And, of course, I was born to parents who were older, more financially secure and who had time to indulge all my craziness, like hauling me to “elocution” lessons, waiting for me after play rehearsals, and chaperoning numerous field trips. My older sister did many helpful things for me, too, like making my wedding dress and veil. That’s the kind of luck I would wish for everyone.
When I began driving, I discovered another stroke of luck, which my daughter has coined “the parking genie.” And she should know, because she inherited it. Basically, it means that I can almost always find a parking space, no matter how crowded the lot, and not just ANY space, a GOOD one. As I’ve explained to others, like my poor unlucky husband, “It’s all in BELIEVING I’ll find a good spot. I never give up too soon and park far away. I KNOW there’s a closer spot, just waiting for me.” Speaking of my unlucky husband, that poor guy would get caught jaywalking if a cop were 100 yards away. Maybe his bad luck began when he married me.
As I grew older, my luck grew too. When we were graduate students, I won a turkey in a drawing at our apartment building. This was when we were “strapped,” with little money the week before Thanksgiving. Another year, I won a Christmas ham when I dropped my entry in the box at my sister’s new job. It was an especially tasty one—maybe because it was free.
During my real estate career, events called Brokers’ Open Houses were common. Each one showcased a listing for agents only and offered prizes and/or food as inducements. It became a family joke before I left home each Tuesday morning. “What will Mom win today?” I won gift cards, cash, and several free meals.
But suddenly, during my 70’s, Lady Luck deserted me. I have no idea why, but the fickleness of it all broke my heart. I’d bought dozens of lottery tickets, fully expecting to win at least $100,000, but no soap, or rather no money. I even complained to the poor clerk behind the Publix counter that the contest must be fixed, since I hadn’t won.
I continued to win nothing, much to my indignation, until a wonderful turn of events.
After playing weekly dominoes games for four years, I actually WON, for the first and only time. I’ve taken a picture of the score sheet to prove it, just before I frame the thing. Note that I went out seven times in a row. That’s certainly a record, even compared to more skillful players. Looks like it’s time to start buying lottery tickets again.
I guess the moral of the story is that luck can sneak up on you—like Santa on Christmas Eve.
Love it!!!!!