36 - a multiple of 9

When I was younger, Dad drove me and my sister from Germantown, Maryland to Vineland, New Jersey (as he did every two weeks, as per the separation agreement that was between my parents predicted) and as always, Mandi fell asleep in the back seat of a rusty, red, 5-speed as Dad and I drew math formulas on the windshield while driving the Jersey Turnpike. On one of those trips, Dad explained the magic of nines.

Having reached my 4th (magic 9), and having been born on the 4th, I feel closer to my Father than when I was riding in that car so many years ago. But I recognize that it was he who gave me the reasoning to recognize it. My Mother gave me passion and respect to balance it - she gifted me the soulful and compassionate thought my father never had, but with my father's gifts of theory and logic, I was able to understand it.

Thank you to both of you. I know now that I am a TRUE product of, and happy to be the multiple and not the sum of the parts.

What's both funny and freaking scary is that I am older now than he was when he was trying to be a Father to me and my sister. Jesus, hadn't you guys ever heard of condoms? At 36, I am still only imagining the concept of children. But I'm glad you didn't (use them). As Mandi was adopted, I guess it doesn't matter much for her - lol. Four times nine and you can still be a mean brother. So much for Mom's lessons of compassion. But all of us would laugh. (Or, at least I do now.)

Jeepers! I just realized that my Sister is older now than Dad was then too. And that I forgot her birthday this year. Sorry, Mandi. I love you, (even though you were adopted and have "big feet"). But as you were adopted, your "actual" birth date is a bit sketchy anyway. Hugs and Kisses. Love, Raymond.

While calculating the power of nines, I played: Nine Million Bicycles from the album "Piece By Piece" by Katie Melua.

PS: There was a reason I choose to get engaged on May the 27th. I am so bad at dates, I thought I would just "stack* them, making them easier to remember. So if Randy would be so kind as to switch his special day to one that matches the rest of the family's, that would be much appreciated. And if we could just all agree than Mandi was born on January 1st, 1975, that would be great. Oh, yeah! Mom, you've been moved up two days to the 27th and Mommom's now falls on Thanksgiving Day, along with Glyn's and Lisa's. If we could all convince Sandy toward the 27th of May, New Year's Day or Thanksgiving, that would work beautifully. Evan's will fall nicely on Leap-Year. Thanks for understanding. I think we'll all be much happier this way.

PPS: I, of course, as the eccentric, egocentric, self-abosrbed, self-important, prodigal child will continue to keep the very special date of October 4th as my birthday, which is where Sybille will be having hers from 2007 on. Mark your calendars and see you next year!

PPPS: Dad, I hope you got all of the math references. So, laugh, laugh, laugh. Or, "send more money". Much love, Raymond. Thank you.