A Name

[Written October 4, 2010, published November 28, 2012.]

Emma's middle name is Linda.  It comes as a hybrid of Aunt Melinda Keller and Grandma Lindy (whose full name is Lindalee).  We liked the idea of naming her after these two people because they are very mild personalities that we just love and adore and would love to have Emma grow up to be like them.  There is one thing that we did not consider that Grandpa Rich pointed out below.  I was noting that I had decided Emma is an active child.  We have been to a couple of events where the other kids her age sat there at their mother's feet and just played nicely.  Not Emma, she was off exploring and walking to and fro.  She would only sit long enough to take in a few bites of food and then she was off.  Here is Grandpa Rich's response:

"Could Emma take after Grandma Lindy?  No need to panic - YET.  The best test for GL-DNA isn't a throat swab but rather to start her cleaning toilets at age 5.  If she responds with disgust as you did, no problem.  If she asks why you only have 3 toilets in your house, you will have to explain there are 5 sinks and endless floor molding awaiting her.  Your Mom's parents had to buy a motel to keep her from running off to join the circus or joining a motorcycle gang to keep her busy.  Grandma Lindy has been able to turn her active nature into a blessing to know her.  It is a good thing because someone with your Mom's talents could have made the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and stayed there until she started slowing down at age 90.


"You and Aaron are blessed with 4 hands' full of wonderful child."


I had not considered Emma getting Grandma Lindy's spring-buttedness.