Names

Names

We go through life with our name.
It was given to us for whatever reason at the moment.
Was it an uncle or aunt's name?
Or was a continuation of the same name over generations,
Or worse yet, the current fad of outlandish names?

We know that the name was special at the time given,
So they should live up to it, shouldn't they?
They know we treasured it when we gave it to them,
But do they know why?

Do the names match their personailities now that they
Have had it a while?
Some wish to modify their names now.
They wish for one more personal,
One that they feel better reflects their self-concept.

Who should we be to complain?
Do we really feel comfortable with our names?
How many live behind nicknames that our not ours,
Or use only their last name as an identifier?

So in choosing what are we to use as the criteria?
Is it a strong name we seek,
Or is it a name to fit an era?
Does it imply more about the parent of the child?
Have we given them a legend to live up to that is larger
Then what they are capable of becoming?

We as parents have spent hours and days just on this subject.
We looked for the special name for that very special new person.
The book companies have made money over this specialty area.
But they have given us a place to look at name origins
And strengths associated with the one named.

Did we look down the years ahead of us before picking the final
Variation of the name?
I hope we did.
It is an important task.
One that says a lot in one simple sentence.
My name is_____________.