What's in a name?

June 22nd, 2008

Our newly-purchased pop-up camper (for our South Dakota trip) was taken on a maiden voyage a few weeks ago. It seems prudent to learn how to use it before taking it for our 1300 mile adventure. And, even better, our friends from whom we purchased it were coming along to show us the ropes.

As we drove down to a local campsite, Andrew announced that our new camper needed a name. It should have a name, after all, it had immediately become part of the family. Without much hesitation, Jay suggested the name “Bessie.” Really? Bessie? I squirmed in my seat. Sometime when we were naming our first born, we had agreed to not use family names for the kids – too much pressure. After all, we weren’t going to have enough children to use everyone’s name, so why use any? And, I thought it might put undo pressure on the child to follow in the footsteps of someone – maintain a legacy that may not even exist. So, no family names. Period. Someone would get hurt.

“You want to name the camper after Grandma?” I asked softly. In the background, I heard Andrew already saying that it was the perfect name!! “Jay, why Bessie?” I continued to squirm. Why would he pick my father’s mother? What about our three other grandmothers, not to mention the kid’s grandmothers? “What an awesome name, Dad! Bessie is a great choice!!” Andrew’s comments continued, and were ringing in my ears. Jay shot me a funny look. “I’ve always like the name Elizabeth,” he explained (which is true, we couldn’t use it because we have a niece named Eliza), “I just thought Elizabeth was a little formal, Bessie just fit better.” Andrew continued to repeat his praises . . . what was he saying, exactly?

Finally, I listened. “Mom,” he repeated “Grandma’s name isn’t Bessie, don’t you even know your own mother’s name? (said with that fabulous undertone of – duh – that only a 5 year old can master) Bessie is perfect because it’s the name of the big, old road-laying trailer in the movie Cars. Its big and old and a trailer, just like our Bessie! Its perfect!” I smiled. “Oh, THAT Bessie, I get it.” Andrew went on, now requesting middle and last names. John looked at me again. “How about Bessie G?” (G for my mother’s mother). I shook my head laughing. “You guys are ridiculous, but I guess its Bessie G.”