What's In a Name

I was SO excited when we found out Grandbaby #1 was coming! With that announcement, I could finally put real energy into that ever-important decision --my Grandma Name. What did I want my grands to call me?

In my own young life, I had "Grandma" and "Granny." We always knew who we were talking about because both of our grandmothers had different names. Granny lived relatively close, so we got to be with her on a regular basis. We all loved every minute with her. So, naturally, I considered, "Granny" for my own Grandma Name. Despite the fond memories, it just didn't seem to fit.

My little sister became a grandma before me. She was "Nana," so of course, I couldn't use that name. Some of my friends were "Mama So-and-So," MeeMaw, etc. Again, not me.

I actively considered the Grandma Names from other languages. Abuela (Spanish), Nai Nai (Chinese for the paternal Grandma--since I have all boys, that would apply for all my grandkids), Avo (Portuguese). Nope. Those wouldn't work.

Then I thought of other nicknames I'd had throughout my life. One of my friends in high school called me "Nae." My uncle called me "Chipmunk." because of my chubby cheeks, a trait that has successfully been passed along. My youngest brother called me "Nanny" when he was very young. That name piqued my interest. After just a little thought, it was decided. My Grandma Name would be Nanny.

Grandbaby #1 was born and my son and daughter-in-law, as well as my other boys, referred to me as Grandma. I was disappointed. And a little frustrated. My own Grandma with that name was difficult to love at times. I did not want to be associated with that, even if it was only in my head.

A couple of years later, I overheard my daughter-in-law clarifying who she was talking about by referring to me as "Grandma Cloud." I was a bit surprised by that. My mother-in-law was an amazing woman who died a short 2 years into our marriage. My boys never had the privilege of knowing her in person, but we referred to her as "Grandma Cloud." All of a sudden, being "Grandma" took on new meaning. Being the next Grandma Cloud meant I had an internal standard for how I felt about myself, not only as a grandma, but as a person. I get to share this super important name with a woman that I adore.

I very gladly respond to the name, "Grandma." I am Grandma Cloud.