What’s in a name?

Our children’s names for us, as parents, come naturally: Mom and Dad, with the occasional variance. They’re not necessarily original but there are only so many people on the earth who can call us by those names. So, in spite of their ordinariness, they become unique and special.

The Mister had another name for his mother. It was “Dux.”   Everyone, including her children, called her “Dux.” It was an all-inclusive, affectionate and honored name.   A neighbor chastised him one time, telling him that there was only one person in the whole world whom he could call “Mom” and that he was abusing that privilege by using her nickname. That went nowhere fast. She was first, last, and always, “Dux.”

When grandchildren arrive, we suggest names for them to call us. Ones that are happy, comfortable, and seem to fit our new roles.

I’ve asked around and find that we also tend to choose names that are easy for the grandchildren to pronounce, or perhaps have special familial meanings. “Go,” “Ali,”               “Clau-Clau,” “MeeMaw,” “LaLa,” “Nana,” and “Birdsey” are just a few recent examples.

I love all of those. I know those grandmothers and those names are wonderful, individual and affectionate. They fit the personalities.

But my favorite comes from a woman I don’t know but sure wish I did. She married a man who came equipped with children and grandchildren and of course, one of the big questions was: “What shall the grandchildren call me?”

My understanding was that it took her about 30 seconds to come up with the best grandmother name ever: “Miss America.”

Think about it.

“Miss America is picking me up from school today.”

“Miss America and my Granddaddy are coming for dinner tonight.

“I’m going shopping with Miss America this afternoon.”

How much fun is that?  For everybody.

Why didn’t I think of that?

Note to my own grandchildren: “Change is good. It’s never too late. Love, Mimi.”