What's In A Name?

When I was born my parents let my Nonnie name me Ginger.  For the most part I've liked my name.  At first in school it was an easy name to tease but it didn't seem to bother me too much so it just stopped.  Because of my name I was very careful when naming my children, trying to stay away from names that others could use to be unkind.  Didn't work, people are either kind or not.  When they are not they can be very creative in what they can smear a name into. 

As I grew older and married I acquired other names and the use of Ginger dropped off.  There were even a few years where I heard it very seldom.  I didn't even realize it until one day in the church hallway someone called me Ginger.  I was so surprised that someone knew my given name.  I had been Sister Gillespie to everyone at church.  Mom was my name for those who were born into our home.  Judy is the name my mother calls me.  (It is a complement, Judy is her favorite sister)  Who was the name my future mother in law knew me as.  (My boyfriend's sense of humor)  Bounce to my best friend in high school. I had trouble just walking up the stairs at school.

I love to hear my name when my husband uses it, which isn't often by the way.  I'm more frequently called WOMAN,  a term of endearment.  Some women find it demeaning but I like being his woman.

The last 13 or so years I've been grandma Gillespie.  It makes me think of Mike's mom who I'll never measure up to.  Granny, which reminds me of Teddy's mom Grammy, wonderful woman.  Lately there has been talk of calling me Gigi.  Please no that brings to mind an old woman in a mini skirt and gogo boots.  I kind of like mimi, but who knows.  It's just a name.  My email is Gingembre which is Ginger in french where my father's family is from.

My name is what I want to make of it.  It has been the name of many dogs, strippers, and a character on Gilligan's Island.  It seems to suit me just fine.  We'll figure out what the grandchildren will call me later.  As long as they know I love them what does it matter?