Ran originally in Sunday, June 28, 2020 editions of The Times and The News-Star.

A couple weeks ago we began a social experiment many of you have participated in. We’ll share a few today and some more later.

We asked: What are seven things that, when considered collectively, set you apart and make you One in Seven Billion people on the planet?

Immediately after reading that column, a buddy texted me with this: “10 marriages between parents, 19 half-step siblings in my life, but I’m an only child.”

Dude might have just retired the Unique Trophy — and it took him only two things to get there. Impressive. Dang.

Others are a more conventional kind of unique, but unique just the same.

Meet Robert Mottet: “Used a jackhammer one summer. Lived with my mother off campus of my sophomore summer at LA Tech and my grades improved. Married my girlfriend’s girlfriend 53 years ago. Became a calf roper while in college. Finished second in a national event in motorcycle racing. Ran a marathon in Canada. Raised Longhorns for 10 years.”

Robert’s got game.

We should dedicate today’s effort to Gustin Robert Lieber, as he turns 91 Friday, and he’s not the only one with a birthday that date, as we shall see. His wife Dorothy wrote in to tell on him: “He has owned and driven only General Motors vehicles his entire driving years. He has owned every model of automobile and truck made by General Motors. His birthdate is July 3,1929. My father’s birthdate is July 3,1890. My son-in-law’s birthdate is July 3, 1965. What are the odds?”

I’d say about the same as Gustin buying a Land Rover. (Dorothy sent in only five things but I’d say her husband is unique, although I suspect General Motors wishes there were more just like him.)

Say hello to Genie Self. “Born in Connecticut; grew up in Texas. French was my first language. Spent seven weeks traveling through 13 countries in Europe. Taught English and French in rural Hawaii for two years. I do 10 jumping jacks every time the Saints make a touchdown. I am kissing 80. No meds.”

Tres bon, Genie! You and I are basically the same person except I spent only five months teaching English and French in rural Hawaii. Well, that and I have to take blood pressure meds. Hereditary. Don’t judge.

Finally, my old friend Maurice wrote to say he believes he is “a candidate” for uniqueness and after you read this, you’ll agree. And you’ll be thrilled you’re not his insurance provider.

Here’s Maurice’s 11 things, although he easily crossed the Unique Finish Line at the required seven. Maurice’s list goes year-by-dicey-year …

1949 Polio, total, lift right arm only to feed.

1964 Ruptured appendix, full-blown stomach infection, three months’ recovery time.

1971 Dropped a vise on my right foot from four-foot height, broke foot, in cast eight weeks.

1973 Bronchitis, two weeks off work for recovery.

1975 Fell and broke left kneecap, first time, eight weeks in cast.

1980-81 New Year’s eve, Stroke, nine months’ recovery to get back to work.

October 1981 Weld broke on office chair, on phone at time, fell backward, hit wall and broke neck at base of skull.

1987 Fell, broke kneecap, second time.

2003, Fell, broke kneecap, third rime.

2006-07 New Year’s Eve, car accident, totaled car, two months in recovery.

2020 Heart Valve replacement.

Maurice wins the Medical Uniqueness Medal, and that’s if you count only kneecaps and the vice thing.

 

“Lucky or unlucky?” Maurice wrote. “Just celebrated my 87th birthday, I think I am pretty lucky to have lived this long! Thanks be to God!

And to Blue Cross and Medicare. Hang in there Mo! You’re more fun than a cartoon show. And thanks to you all. We’ll do some more later.

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