What’s In A Name?

Names. You know, those words that others use to refer to us. We all have at least the one that our parents gave us and as we go through life, we gain others. Nicknames, pet names, and sometimes even just initials or sounds do the job. I’ve been called many things in my life. My parents named me Aaron and when I was in trouble, it was Aaron WILLIAM! By the time I made it to school, I was given other names such as AC, Cravester and Ace because kids are kids and they can’t leave a perfectly good name alone. Many others have come and gone over the years and I’ve responded to them all. They were my names, after all.

Which brings us to today and the names that I am called now. Although for some reason, it sounds odd to hear it out loud. I think maybe it is because I am called a few other names far more often these days. Dad is one of them. I love that name. I also am quite particular to Daddy and much less so, Father. My very favorite version of this name, however, is Dada. Particularly when my daughters say it. If they only knew how that particular version of my name tugged at my heart, they would use it to manipulate me. So, keep it to yourself so I have a chance to resist their charms.

Which brings us to my last name that I hear on a regular basis. This one is absolutely my favorite and the one that I am most proud of. Babe. Babe is the name that SHE calls me. She uses it so often that even our children use it to get my attention and it always, always, brings a smile to my face. The reason it makes me smile is that it is the name my wife chose for me and those names are the most special ones. The names that reflect the love of those who created them.