There’s Palindromes, and Then There’s Numeric Palindromes
Are you one? If so, you may get a car. Or at least dessert.
At lunch with Cousin Daphne and her 2 sons the other day, I mentioned my son, Drew’s, upcoming birthday.
“He’s a numeric palindrome this year. It’s kinda cooler than a golden birthday because it is rarer.”
Cousin Daphne’s sons looked confused. “What is that?” they both asked.
“It’s a taco cat but in numbers,” I replied not shedding even the tiniest bit of light on the definition.
Cousin Daphne rolled her eyes and explained to her sons. “Taco cat is the same spelled forward and backward. Drew’s birthday is 4–24–24 which is the same written forward or backward — ”
“ — Making him a numeric palindrome for this year only,” I finished. “Not everyone gets to experience a numeric palindrome birthday. You have to have the right combination of month, date, and year in your lifetime.”
The boys thought this was amazing. A once-in-a-lifetime birthday achievement which not everyone could achieve?! Surely that meant better presents the year of the palindromic number.
We all put our heads together over our plates of tacos, nachos, and quesadillas.
- Daphne was born November 19. 11–19–11 is not a palindrome. The closest she comes is 11–19–9111, but that won’t be in her lifetime. Her sons and I ruled her out as a palindrome. Ever.
- My birthday is July 8 so technically my numeric palindrome was back in 1987 (7–8–87.) Unfortunately, that was so long ago, and I won’t be around to see 2087 either so Daphne’s sons ruled me out as well. Sad.
- Then it was the 11-year old’s turn. His birthday is August 22. His numeric palindrome birthday will happen on 8–22–28. Not only is that his numeric palindrome birthday, it is also his sweet 16th birthday.
“Isn’t sweet 16 a girl thing?” asked the 11-year-old, wrinkling his nose.
“Think of it,” I argued, “It is your birthday, but it isn’t only your birthday. it is your sweet 16 birthday. Not only is it your sweet 16 birthday, it is your sweet 16 numeric palindrome birthday. That’s 3 birthdays wrapped into 1! That’s gotta be worth a lot! You could get a car if you play your cards right.”
“Really?!” He looked at his mom hopefully. “I’ve already been asking for a car.”
Daphne cut her eyes to me.
My smile of innocence was a mile wide.
- Finally, we worked on the 10-year old’s possibility of a palindrome birthday. His birthday is March 21. His numeric palindrome is 3–21–23.
“Wait! That was last year,” he said. “We missed it!”
“I’m sorry, buddy,” Daphne said trying to figure out how to quickly smooth this over.
“Yeah,” I helpfully added, “Your parents really messed up. I’m sure they are willing to make it up to you. Daphne, you should buy him dessert for not recognizing the amazingness of his palindromic birthday last year.”
Daphne looked at his plate still full of food. “I don’t know. He can’t seem to finish his meal.”
“If it was his birthday, he would get cake no matter if he finished his meal or not. He should get dessert,” I insisted, “It’s the least you can do.”
“Cake would make me feel better about the fact that you didn’t fully celebrate me last year,” said the 10-year-old. He tried his best to make puppy dog eyes at his mom.
“Let him have dessert,” piped up the 11-year-old. “I don’t need any. In 4 years, I’m getting a car.”
“Yeah, he’s getting a car,” I chimed in. “Shouldn’t your lesser loved son at least get dessert.”
Daphne shot me another look. “He turned 10 last year. He wasn’t old enough for a car.”
“Okay, that’s fair, but he should get something,” I said, thinking it over. “How about a kangaroo?”
The boys both lit up.
“I want a kangaroo!” said the 10-year-old.
“Aunt Heather doesn’t get to come to lunch with us next time,” said Cousin Daphne as she asked the waitress for a dessert menu.
“Make that 2 dessert menus,” I called after the waitress. “No one celebrated my numeric palindrome either back in the day.”
“I would like my car to be red,” decided the 11-year-old.
