your family sound just like mine???. last year I was having a run of bad luck my merc car had a complete meltdown the chain belt went ruined the whole engine so had to buy a new car despite car was only 4 years old. Then house got flooded cos of a burst pipe in the attic luckily insurance sorted it. and I was ill alot cold flu etc. my dad sent me a gold bracelet that had been blessed at a Buddhists temple in hk in hope that it would get rid of the run of bad luck I was having. but I couldnt wear it cos it was too delicate as the gold was soft if it got caught on a button it would break. I would have been happy to have recieved a lucky cat less expensive but have the sentiment from my dad. its a culture thing I suppose