A lot's at stake in a name!

                                                                          

This could get awkward as if it isn't already. I might get in bigger trouble than I normally find myself. I don't want to cower and cover so here it goes...

What's in a name? A lot. A simple thing as a name can grow to be not so simple after all. 

Let me explain what I mean...When new family members join into our fold, what will they call us? The automatic and natural act of addressing someone by name can become not so free nor flowing. To tell it like it is - It's been just plain awkward for me and for them.

My sons call me mom, of course. Will their spouses call me mom too? I had high hopes that would be the case but no. Their spouses call every other extended relative by the same name our sons have lovingly given them - Aunt this and Aunt that, Granddaddy this and Maya that. Why is this not the case for us in-laws? Why is our relationship name the only one that feels so awkward to say?

I would never want to replace and can't replace the wonderful relationship my daughters-in-law have with their mothers. That is a gift of years in the making. My name by them should not be the same as the one they have lovingly called their own mothers over the years. I would just love another name of new endearment that is simply a bit different. 

I have signed many a note over the past 8 years as "Mom G." It's my feeble attempt to differentiate myself, not step on toes, not step out of my ranks, and maybe just maybe foster some closeness. So far, I'm the only one who calls myself "Mom G." I keep on. 

I'm not particularly fond of my given name. My husband isn't allowed to call me by my first name at all. If he does, then he's out to pick a fight! I also don't particularly love the casual vibe of being addressed with that name by my daughters-in-law. Yes, I said it.

There really is a lot represented in a name. A lot is at stake. What's a daughter-in-law to do? Poor girls. They have no idea so much is at stake!

The reality is we limp along with my name hardly being spoken or addressed. That changed when those adorable swaddles of grand delight arrived into this world. That's when I earned a new name. A name I love. A name everyone can agree to call me. My new name of "Grandgie" was born 6 years ago. Everyone doesn't have to dance around my name awkwardness anymore - at least not as often. 

All's good until Mother's Day. Mother's Day is different. Mother's Day is special. My Mother's Day represents blood, sweat & tears through 35 years. Years of trials & triumphs, perils & prayers, rules & schools, grades & graduations, discipline & devotion. Honestly, I want credit for all that because that is a lot! 

My name on Mother's Day is a badge of honor. It's a title of attainment. It's a recognition of years of service. I want to be called "Mother" on Mother's Day. I love my new name, "Grandgie," but I want my birth kids and wedded kids to acknowledge me as a mother first on that special day.  

There is a Grandparent's Day in September. Please do recognize me then but I want to be recognized as a mother in May. I love being a grandmother but have only devoted 6 years of my life to this role. It is a joy-filled role but not as all-consuming as my mother role has been. My mother role has been a mother load. Please don't lump the two occasions together. They both represent too much apart.

I maybe said too much and shared too much. I do that often. I can be walking trouble waiting to happen. We'll see this time. I didn't want to sugar-coat here. 

It's probably best to be happy being called anything at all!  

What name are you called? Please leave your name with a comment below. Is this an issue in your family or is it just me? Don't sugar-coat your answer. I'm a big girl and can take it if it's indeed just me!

Names mean a lot.

Mother hits the spot.

Highlights my years

Blood, sweat and tears.