Mom's Reply

Yes, you would have been named William Alden, but I don't remember if Bill had another name. Do you, Dad? Stacey would have been THomas Lyle, Tom would have been Jennifer, Erin did not have any name before she was born. We spent are time "chewing" on "Erin/Aaron". Susie had all her brothers and sisters naming her/him, with whole lists of names. (I rather wanted Suzanne, but Dad nixed that.) Ted was "Theodore" with the same list of names from brothers and sisters. I liked "Rebecca", but everyone wanted to name you "Becky" and so, why do I call you "Becky"?

We tried when we named all of you to give you names that had meaning to us. You were all special and we tried to think of special names that you would like.

I think you know the history of your names A quick review: Stacey Alene, because Stacey was the last name of a patient in the hospital I was doing insurance on. It sounded so nice with Simmons. Alene is the special part of her name, it is for Grandma Nina Simmons. Tom is for Dad and Uncle Lyle. Erin is for Dad's mission in Ireland and her great grandmas. (And because Jane was sure to never be confused as a boy's name.) Susan was because I called Stace and Erin both "Susie", so I thought we had better have a Susie for real. Stacey told everyone at school that her sister's name was Jill. So I let her have her way! Ted is after Teddy Roosevelt and my mother's maiden name. Rebecca is a great grandma's name and Christmas joy. Bill for both grandpas.

I don't think Bill liked being called Bill when he became a teenager, and I think he's the only one who wanted a different name. Was that because of an "identity crisis", Bill? Do the rest of you like your names? So here's a question for all of you, "What would you change your name to , if you could?"

I used to name all my buttons different names when I played primary with them. Maybe when my mind gets even more feeble, I'll revert to playing buttons again!

Well, interesting question, Rebecca! What prompted it?

Love, Mom