What's in a Name?

My name is Theodora Banda Salazar. Many people know me by my nickname, Lolly. I was named after my paternal grandmother. I have always known the meaning of my given name, a gift from God, but I had never heard the story I just heard last night.

I have been visiting my parents, and they have been sharing family stories that I am recording either by hand or the voice recorder on my phone. I've recently written about having the maturity to know to ask questions about the past when you have the older folks in your family around to ask them those questions.

This particular story came from my mom. She wanted to make sure that I knew that when she was a first time expectant mother, she wanted a little boy. She and my dad would read the bible and enjoyed the stories in the book of Matthew. So they thought they would name their boy Juan Mateo in Spanish, and they would call him Johnny Matthew. Well, to their surprise, their firstborn was a baby girl, and they really hadn't thought of a name for her. My dad suggested naming her after his mom. After quickly consulting the baby names book, looking up the meaning of my grandmother's name, and suggesting an alternative spelling of the name, mom agreed and their baby was named Theodora! Mom went on to talk about how each of my siblings' names were derived. It was interesting to hear all those stories, but the names I didn't know were those of my unborn siblings. My mom recounted the experiences she and dad went through when those babies were made known to them.

Last year their priest had a stained glass door installed at their church to commemorate the unborn children of families in their parish. Our little siblings' names are listed on a plaque. My mom shared their decision for those children's names.It was intriguing to listen to these stories.

I hope you know the story of why you were given the name you bear and the meaning of it. If you don't know, ask! Remember that we won't always have whom to ask.

On this Memorial Day, families who have lost loved ones in service to our country, I thank you for the sacrifice of your serviceman/servicewoman and the sacrifices you had to make as their precious lives were lost. Keep sharing their names so that we continue to always honor them by name. Regardless of the divisiveness in our country, we should remain united in honoring those who gave all. Happy Memorial Day and God Bless the U.S.A.

My favorite serviceman, my daddy, Merardo Banda Sr., honoring fallen servicemen/servicewomen this Memorial Day.