Names

I love names! always have. I enjoy listening to expectant couples list the possibilities; rejecting or accepting certain ones. I cringe sometimes when I hear other names that surely destine the owners to years of explaining or spelling their names over and over during their lifetime.

Some of us get traditonal and simple names like Diane, a popular name in the decade I was born. Others are named after someone or because of something loved dearly. My friend named her daughter after Chambers Bay, where Chambers was concieved. I love that. Our kids have names that we thought couldnt be made into nicknames, forgetting that innovative children can make anything into a funny or hurtful rhyme. My Grandfather had the habit of annoying Adam by calling him "Adam Banana"! I knew it was because he liked him but Adam was not very happy with that tag. He laughs about it now and appreciates the teasing that happened with his great grandfather and his cane.

This week I have been able to see pictures of a local family (and new friends) who are meeting and adopting a 9 year old from China. It took 5 years for the process to unwind. In that time they talked a lot about what they would name their new daughter if they got lucky enough to adopt. Their two daughters suggested names they liked and that is where the inspiration came from. They have decided to name her Annabelle and are keeping her Chinese name as her middle name. Annabelle is learning her brother and sisters names by photographs and Skype!

My extended family has an amazing and very cool collection of surnames. Even though we are all tied to the apron somehow we have names, linked by marriage, that are representative of the entire world!! European, African, Middle Eastern. Names that are very short or very long. Easy to say and spell and others that are a challenge. When I look at the pictures of our family, especially the little ones, I really get to rejoice in my United Nations family ties.

I also get to laugh at them with the other names they have lately been very strong about proclaiming--you know, the Jets, Cowboys, Eagles, Giants....those names. Love it.