What's in a name?

I know, I know. William Shakespeare belongs in Brit Lit, not American, but a line from one of his plays (Romeo and Juliet) fits my train of thought lately.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Those of us who have children know the importance of selecting a perfect name for the newborn babe that enters our lives. A friend from church lamented after the birth of her latest grandchild that he had no name. His parents had to look at him, get to know him, and then name him. They had waited two weeks after the birth of their first child to name her! I understand that to some extent, because some of the names of former students just don't fit them in any way...like the petite cheerleader whose name was Mildred. A family name, but not one that fit her personality at all. She did go by Milly some, but still....

I guess it is all in what you are used to also. Our minister's wife is E. Anne. Her first name is really Elizabeth (one that I think is a beautiful name, by the way), but she has always been known by E. Anne. At first it seemed odd to call her that; now it is natural. That is just her name.

What is my point? Our names are our identity in many cases. While I know Tamara, Maria, Tyler, and Angela since they are or have been on the Logansport campus with me, and I have seen pictures of Kevin, Lori, Kayla, and Tonya, I would not know Tina or Teresa or Dawn if they walked into my office. I am not really sure I will recognize Tonya until she walks across the stage on May 13. How many people do you know just by their names? Is your imagined picture of that person accurate?

Which now brings me to another point. Hilary, my daughter the new mother, has been asking me repeatedly what I want to be called. Grandma? Grandma Beth? Nana? Grammy? Memaw (ugh!)? I always said to Landon "It's Grandma, Landon!" or "Grandma's here, Landon" or "Can you smile at Grandma?" Will that be me? Or will I be something different to that sweet little guy?

Our neighbor always called her little grandson "Sweetie" and when he started to talk, he called her "Sweetie" right back. He stills calls her that, and he is 10 now.

"Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language." -Dale Carnegie, "How to Win Friends and Influence People"


What's in a name? Everything, right now! Will it be Grandma? Nana? Whatever it will be, I am sure when Landon says it, it will be the 'sweetest and most important sound.' Any suggestions?