PENINSULA Zoomer: What is the big deal with the number 12

I am starting to write my November column on the 12th.

Very appropriate I am thinking as I have been penning this Zoomer column for 12 years this month.

So I have the number 12 firmly embedded in my brain. Today my granddaughter, who was born on June 12th is 5 months old. I would love to give her a smothering hug and a sloppy kiss but she is 15,000 kilometres from me in Bali and I am in the Baja. But I can send her my love across the vast Pacific Ocean.

I remember taking my first-born daughter to Australia when she was a baby of approximately 12 months. Times have changed as I legally drugged her with the over-the-counter Phenergan and she slept all the way. Apparently, this is not recommended today. Bad mummy.

I often wonder what the big deal about the number 12 is.

There are 12 months in year.

There are the 12 days of Christmas and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

There are 12 hours on a clock.

Jesus had 12 disciples.

There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body.

There are 12 signs of the Zodiac.

There are 12 inches in a foot and 12 eggs in a dozen.

Johnny Mathis crooned The Twelfth of Never.

I can hear what you are thinking. Our beloved columnist has sun stroke and/or she has been imbibing too many margaritas as what is her obsession with the number 12?

Two words: Nathan Rourke.

He is the amazing, talented quarterback of the BC Lions and he sports the number 12 on his jersey.

I remember years ago I was at a community event where I met Travis Lulay, who was the BC Lions quarterback at the time. I said to him, “You don’t look very big for a football player.”

To which he replied politely, “I’m a quarterback, Ma’am.”

I went home and googled him only to realize he had won every award possible in the CFL and I must have looked like a chump to him.

But our young quarterback Nathan is the one all eyes are on this year. He is humble, a team player with an indefatigable work ethic. And cute. And he loves his mother.

Rourke started off the season with his formidable talent, breaking all kinds of statistical records in the CFL before he got injured.

Now I hear you asking yourselves when on Earth did this senior writer take such an interest in football. Well, I am in a relationship, remember, and my guy has been a BC Lions season ticket holder since 1986.

I understand the basics of the game and it’s exciting when our receiver catches one of Rourke’s perfect passes. A synchronized ballet with shoulder pads. And tight pants.

This season’s results were disappointing, but there’s always next year and if BC wins then, it will be 12 years since their last Grey Cup victory.

So let me spread some cheer by inviting you to attend our free CARP Christmas party to be held on Sunday, Dec. 11th from 2 to 4 p.m. at the White Rock Community Centre. Entertainment by the wonderful Alyssa Nielsen & Silverwood Duo. Christmas carols, quiz, bingo, light refreshments and door prizes.

RSVP by Dec. 8th to Denice at 604-538-5778 or dethomps@telus.net

Bring 12 of your friends!

April Lewis is the local communications director for CARP. She writes monthly

ColumnSeniors