Thought For Today

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

What's in a Name?

What's in a Name?



When people say your name how does it feel? How does it fit? Does it make you smile? What's in a name anyway?

Here's a fun little story that forever changed me ... and my name.

In highs school, I always had 2 choices for what I wanted to go to college for...(OK maybe more but Singer-Songwriter was already taken.) I went into healthcare but special education was always close to my heart as well. I choose healthcare and have no regrets as I love what I do. That said, I always wondered if I could have made it in special education. About 20 years ago now.. (Oh no... it can't be that long ago... or can it.. whew time flies) I had the opportunity to go for a day to my friends special education classroom (she was/is a dedicated, every student counts, Teacher).

What a treat for me to spend a day with a group of wonderful, truly special, children. We did math, read books, did crafts, and went to music class. Music class was one of the students favorites. They'd all walk (wanting to run) to the room to sit and sing songs with the teacher. This day the teacher was playing the piano and "talk singing" her comments and thoughts. She sang about the sunny day and all the students sitting so nicely and then she sang a song about the "stranger" in the room, ME! She asked me my name and I said Nina... She played the piano and thought then sang a song about how could she remember my name... She sang how she had a great idea, she'd think of her favorite number.... (thinking here and playing a little song....) ... then out she sang... my favorite number today is Nine..... so I'll say 9 and then add a great big "A" at the end... That's it that's how I'm going to remember her name... She made the kids sing my name a few times and then she went on with her class....

Later that day I went for a walk with the younger kids. One sweet little girl wanted to hold my hand while we walked. She was just a little cutie... My friend, the Special Ed teacher, came over and asked the little girl if she was enjoying the walk. The little girl smiled wide and said yes, as she squeezed my hand tighter and winked at me. My friend asked her if she remembered my name. Well that got this little girl. She stood there and got so quiet and serious... she scrunched up her face, thinking hard...... after a minute or so her face brightened up and she shook her head up and down... "I remember, I remember!!" She said excitedly. "That's Good" said my friend, "what is it, what's her name?" ..... This little angel looked up at me smiled so proudly and in her happiest voice said...."Eleven- A!" It was all I could do not to laugh out loud, she had in fact remembered what the music teacher had said; she remembered her favorite number and added "A".

To this day I tell that story and smile wide myself.... Angels come in many forms and this one touched my heart and soul forever.... So what's in a name?....... Everything!

May you find happiness, smiles, giggles and laughter in your name today. May the sound of your name bring you Joy, Hope, and Love. Remember when you hear your name(s), as it's being spoken, it comes from one soul into yours. The mere word conveys so much as it connects you to another. May your spirit be lifted and your heart smile as you remember and hear your name(s). Celebrate all that is you today.

Love and Light, 9 - A or maybe today I should say "Eleven - A"

14 comments:

Janice Lynne Lundy said...

Nina, this is such a lovely post. Your name is quite lyrical. I never really liked my name. Aww....I grew up in the 50-60's and Jackie Kennedy was the ideal darling. I wanted to change my name to Jackie. Plus, a beautiful blonde girl was in most of my classes through school and her name was Jackie too! I wanted to be her for a time. Loved her hair. :-)

I had to grow into my name. I shortened it to Jan in college and it suited me. Just last year I took Janice Lynne back as a professional pen name. Now I'm fine with whatever people choose to call me. Any way you call it, I'm me, and happy to be me. xo

Anonymous said...

I never liked it. With my name, since I can remember, when my name is mentioned, people laugh, smile, make jokes. I never liked my name.

Anonymous said...

Hee hee! Such a sweet story.

Anonymous said...

P.S. I have always liked my name - it was unusual when growing up, but is quite common now. But I'm shy about revealing it in the blogosphere. There is indeed as you say, something very personal about it and so I guard it. Instead I use a made up name - one I chose for myself.

septembermom said...

What a sweet story! Nina, you make such wonderful observations. The funny thing about my name (Kelly) is that all the kids would make silly rhyming songs about it. "Kelly went to the deli. She had a fat belly..." I guess you get where I'm going with this. One good thing was that I always got to be "Kelly" when we girls played Charlie's Angels!!

JANN said...

That is a super special little story, what a sweetie the girls sounds like. YOU are a angel yourself Nina, a true deep beautiful spirit inside that you share with others. Thank you sweetie for the most comforting message you left on Foreverjann blog. Luv you
xoxo

Autumn Leaves said...

What a wonderful post and beautiful memories that bring a smile to my poor, sick face, Nina! I love the joy of life that comes through each of your posts. Thank you for always making me smile and for making me think.

Anonymous said...

Stop by my blog and pick up your well deserved Honest Scrap Award.
Hugs, Darlene Congrats!

cheatymoon said...

What a cool experience - kids are so awesome!
I didn't think I would ever end up a special ed teacher, but am I ever happy that I wandered down this road 13 years ago and have been here ever since.
You do have a great name. One of my very good girlfriends/old teaching buddies has the same name. :-)

Life Potentials Network said...

Nina, this is such a dear story, and shows what a special person you are. I had to grow into my name, such a big name for a little girl, but now I love it. I wrote an article once for my newsletter about how ancient cultures used to sing a persons name with a melody made just for them that reflected the energy of their soul. Wouldn't that be something: to be sung into being! xo

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh what a sweet story, 9-A (or should I say 11-A)???? ha ..... My name is really Elizabeth---and I always wanted to be a Liz or a Beth.. But--for some reason, my parents called me Betsy... SO--that's what I've been my entire life. Guess I didn't look like or act like an Elizabeth... ha

Also--my middle name is Bruce (family name). I always hated it when I was young because I thought it was a boy's name. Now that I'm all grown up, I love it---knowing that it is a special family name...

Cute post, Nina..
Hugs,
Betsy

Leandra Greenmoon said...

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.
This is a very nice and interesting post.

Deann said...

Hi Nina P,
I got some bad news from Beth Niquette...Clytie had a stroke this morning and is in the hospital. Beth asked me to let everyone know and please ask that you remember them in your prayers.
I hope all is well with you. If I hear anything else I will post it on my Grannie Annie Blog.

Joy said...

Nina,
My name says it all really:) Although on the days I am doubting it's hard to be "grumpy" when someone calls "Joy" to get my attention. Poignant reminder to savor the best of every precious moment:)
Admittedly Christmas is fun because it's the only time of the year I get anything "personalized" --songs, holiday items, cards....