The Luck of the Elephants

It’s not that I believe in luck. In fact, I vehemently don’t believe in luck. I correct those who say I’m “lucky” by telling them I’m actually “blessed.” There is a difference.

Lately, however, I’ve been drawn to the notion of lucky elephants—the ones with their trunks pointing upwards—as a way to remind me how lucky—erm, blessed—I really am.

My attraction to this animal is two-fold. First, I’m a University of Alabama grad. Roll Tide and all that goes with it.

The second is more interesting. Years ago my grandfather had heart surgery. Before he went in, someone gave him a tiny metal elephant that he kept in his pocket.

Actually, he kept it in his pocket during the x-rays and his images came out with a tiny little pachyderm in his heart.

“How do I look?” he asked the doctor.

“You’re fine, but you have an elephant in your chest,” the doctor said.

He likes to tell that story a lot.

It wasn’t until I moved off that I decided elephants would be my lucky charm as well. If it was good enough for the grandfather I think the world of, it’s good enough for me. So, I surround myself with Alabama memorabilia and elephants on everything I can find.

It’s not so much that I need the luck. It’s more of a reminder of where I come from. I’m a long way from home, here in South Carolina. The elephants are a comfort to remind me of the great school I went to, the culture of Crimson Tide fans I’m a part of and the amazingly strong family I come from.

Lucky for me, they’re in style this season.

Patch asks: What is your lucky charm?