Number Talks

What can you say about the number 52? It’s a multiple of two so it’s an even number. It’s composite, with factors of 1, 2, 4, 13, 26, 52. It has two digits, the sum of which is 7. There’s a 5 in the tens place and a 2 in the ones place. Let’s see, what else? As of today, it’s my age.

The year I turned 50, I made a long list of goals related to my age—such as read 50 books, ride my bike 50 miles, visit all 50 states, etc. The older I get, the more ambitious and unrealistic these age-numbered goals become.

And also, the older I get, the less important these goals seem. As I reflect on my 51st year, there’s no number that sticks out among the highlights and the challenges.

50—I finally made it to Alaska, the crown jewel in my quest to visit all 50 states.

5—number of graduate classes to earn my certificate in creative writing at PENN.

1—We welcomed one new puppy to our family in May.

6—number of days spent exploring London over spring break.

40—number of miles Chrissy and I biked in NYC’s 5 Boros ride.

23—number of 5th graders in my class at Freedom Hill Elementary

30—number of years since Paul and I saw NRBQ at the Bayou on our first date in 1992.

17—the day in July my father died after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

I didn’t count the number of times I did yoga, or went on a hike. I didn’t count the number of adventures, concerts, restaurants, new hobbies with old friends, happy hours, or bike rides.

Today I’m 52. I keep thinking about that number. It’s the number of weeks in a year. The number of cards in a deck. I couldn’t help myself; I made a goal: 52 hikes. 52 opportunities to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, meander up a mountain or linger by a lake. Paul and I took advantage of the mild weather today to take a birthday hike around Lake Needwood. It was perfect.

Life can get busy. Focusing on a goal is a good reminder to set aside time for things that bring me joy. Will I make my goal of 52 hikes? Who knows? Who cares? Like my age, it’s just a number.




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