If you've read my previous posts about names, you know that they are important to me. I posted this before I got married, and I posted this before Banner was born. Today, on this first anniversary after Banner's naming, I'd like to share with everyone the letter we wrote to Banner and read at his ceremony. (A: means I read it aloud, S: means Sam read it.)
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Banner,
A: Today is your baby naming,
where your family and our friends surround us, welcoming you to the world. You
are probably not really aware of all the love in this room right now, but one
day, we hope you know just how truly loved and wanted you are! You also
probably don’t know just how emotional your mommy is, and I am most likely
already crying or will begin crying soon! So, bear with me, as we read you some
very deep thoughts that we’ve wanted to share with you for a very long time!
A: Your name is very important to
your dad and me. We put a lot of thought into it, as so many of the people in
the room know! We hope you will love your name as we do, and we hope, too, you
will understand the symbolism and the great meanings behind such a unique name.
S: The definition of your first
name, “Banner,” means several things. At first, I did not want you to have this
name because all I could think of was that it meant “flag.” Upon deeper
investigation, I found that it also meant “anything regarded or displayed as a symbol of principles.”
Mommy and I both liked this definition, as we hope that you will stand for
great principles.
A: The definition of your middle
name, “Boone,” is “good.” When you put your two names together, therefore, you
can see why we liked it so much: To represent something good. To us, you are extremely special – the true
definition of something good. We also hope you will stand for something great.
S: You also have a Hebrew name,
Benhyle Ahava. These names were chosen for you by your mom and by me to honor
the memory of two very special people in our lives. Because you won’t get to
meet these special members of your family, we want to tell you about them now
and let you know how you came to get this special Hebrew name.
A: My grandfather, Louis,
your great-grandfather, was a very hard worker. Your dad has always reminded me
of my Papa. Like Daddy, Papa had a strong work ethic, he put himself through
college, he valued health and education, and he held his family in high regard.
The Hebrew name, Benhyle, is in memory of my Papa, and it means “son of
strength.” In these short months we’ve gotten to know you, we already know you
are full of strength. Almost everyone who has held you says, “Wow! He’s so
strong!” You have a strong will whether it’s to maneuver out of your tightly
swaddled blanket, to hold that head up, to demand food, to exercise those
lungs, or to fight sleep! We look forward to watching this strength continue to
develop – in every sense of the word: physically, emotionally, mentally,
cognitively, financially, spiritually, and socially. We hope you develop a
strong sense of self, a strong work ethic, and strong friendships. Yes, my Papa
was a strong man, but he is only one of many strong members of your family. You
come from a family of giving nurturers, of dedicated learners, of courageous
leaders, of heroic fighters, and brave survivors. We know you will fit right in
– you already do!
S: My great-aunt Jeannie has
always been a shining star in our family and always put family first. At every
family event, it was Aunt Jeannie who took the reins to bring everyone together
and keep everyone in touch. In fact, Mommy met Aunt Jeannie a couple times and
has fond memories of her smiling brightly as the whole family sat in the living
room chatting and laughing. Aunt Jeannie was a beautiful woman with a big
heart. You could always tell Aunt Jeannie was happiest when she was surrounded
by her loved ones. Like Aunt Jeannie,
your mommy always brightens the room when she walks in with her beautiful smile
and spirit, and is happiest when she is with family. The second part of your
Hebrew name, Ahava, means “love.” We
wanted you to have this name to remind you how important it is to show love to
those around you, that taking time to enjoy your family is the highest of
priorities, and that you are always loved.
S: Just like your English names
make a statement when put together, so do your Hebrew names. We’ve thought about
this – yes, we’re deep thinkers in this family, too! – and you could say that
your Hebrew names together are “Son of Strong Love.” Mommy and I think of
ourselves as having strong love. You should know that Mommy and I have been
best friends since we were in high school. We value each other, and we value
great friendships. We love being around each other, and we don’t take each
other for granted. You were born from this great love, and we have waited for
you for a long time!
A: One more thing, before we wrap
this letter up. When your dad thought of the word “flag” when he first heard
the name “Banner,” I thought it was somewhat fitting. Another of your
great-grandfathers, my Grandpa, shares your birthday month. In fact, he was
born on Flag Day, and it certainly makes me proud that you got to meet him just
a couple weeks ago. He, too, is a special man full of strength – from work
ethic to physical fitness. Every June
14th, I celebrate my Grandpa’s life as we celebrate our country’s banner. And,
I know from now on, when we fly our country’s flag on that day – I will
celebrate you, too!
A: Your dad and I hope so many
things for you, including that you like your name, as now you know it has very
special meanings to us. We have so many things we want to teach you about from
little things like music and movies to big things like God and the world.
S: We hope you love people, enjoy
music, understand the value of friendship, find romance, think positively,
believe in something, stand your ground and speak your mind, fight for fairness
and equality, eat good foods, and find humor in life.
A: We hope you will love to laugh
but be okay with crying. We hope you will be strong when faced with conflict
and struggle but be sensitive to yourself and others. We hope you will take
care of others but know when to take care of yourself, too. We hope you will
look for answers but not be afraid to question. We want so many things for you,
Banner, but mostly, we want you to be happy, healthy, and full of love!
We love you,
Mommy & Daddy
August 14, 2011
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| Mommy and Banner |
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| Banner on his Naming Day! |
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| With Rabbi Stern |
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| With Aunt Gayle & Uncle Brock - Godparents |
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| With Great-Grandpa |
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| Banner and his parents and grandparents |
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