7 7 7

I find it interesting that some people believe in superstition and some don’t, and how learning that tells you so much about the individual. Some people believe that luck ebbs and flows, and they can do certain things…or avoid doing certain things to influence how much luck they’ll have. Four leaf clovers, a rabbit’s foot, stepping on a crack, walking under a ladder, a broken mirror…to some, they all influence how their day, their week, or their month is going to turn out.

Still others attribute luck to individuals…as if the universe has conspired to create an interesting experiment by mixing a number of people with good fortune and a some with bad fortune just to see how they’d mix it up. Of course we all know that those with good fortune always come out on top, but we can’t help rooting for the underdog.

I personally choose to believe in luck. Chance, serendipity, karma, whatever you want to call it; there is something about it that makes life more interesting. A degree of romance and adventure. Without it what fun would it be to walk down a cracked sidewalk, or closely examine that patch of clover, or saw the feet off of little rabbits?

I have to add a qualifier to my belief in luck, however. I’ve always believed that people are capable of making their own luck. The desire for good Karma forces me to consider how the things I do will affect others, and often makes me change course in order to prevent someone else from carrying a burdened I’ve discarded. It’s selfish really. I don’t want the smudge on my soul that will inevitably bring about hard times and distress. I like a clean conscience, and although I usually get my way (which is important to someone who falls last in birth order), I at least attempt to do it without stealing something that is of value to someone else. Sometimes I screw up, but at least I think about it.

Today, at home, it is July 7, 2007. 7-7-7. A record number of weddings are planned for this day, but there is only one that matters to me. My great friends Beau and Jo Jo are tying the knot, and it is not only good fortune for them but for all that share their lives. They are lucky for the reasons described in the previous paragraph. They do right by the people they surround themselves with, and on the rare occasion that they mess, they make amends. They work hard, they play hard, they live life well and surround themselves with great people. They give their friendship and trust easily (at least the first time), and make everyone feel as if they are a part of something great. And just as importantly, they stick around for those spells of “bad luck”, when their friends need a helping hand.

There was only one thing that made me consider not coming to Iraq. That one reason is happening today, and I am sad to be absent from what is certain to be an incredible celebration. There will be more Easters, and July 4ths, and days at the beach, and birthdays, and all those other things that I’ve chosen to forgo this year…but a day like this is a once in a lifetime, and I truly appreciate them easing my conscience when I told them my plans.

I hate to be too corny, and I know this will make Beau’s whole head turn red from embarrassment, but I love you guys and it’s killing me not being there today. I look forward to the idea of walking into the house of two such great friends, knowing that they have joined together in a conspiracy against bad luck from here on out. I only wish I had a whisky to raise in their honor.

Cheers and good luck!!!