Thirteen.  Frequently portrayed as an unlucky number in movies and books, but quite the opposite for my family.  Since I can remember, the number 13 has continued to surface, and its recurrence has become a symbol of luck and calm.

It all started in September 1953 on my grandparents' wedding night, when their hotel room number was 13.  Their first house number was 13 and my mom grew up there.  After my parents were married, they bought the house, but later moved to house number 39 (13 times 3) and we were the 13th house on the one side of the street.  Family birthdays are often on the 26th of the month (13 times 2).  I was born at 4:27 PM (4 + 2 + 7 = 13).  My nephews were born on the 13th and my niece weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces.  Family members have had hospital stays in rooms including the number 13 and had successful outcomes, my sister's office numbers have been multiples of 13, etc. 

Quite simply, any time we all need luck, we place our bets on 13.