Did your children decide on their grandparent’s name or did your parents make the decision on what they wanted to be called? My grandson ultimately made the decision for me. I had initially selected the name Gran, but it didn’t stick.
I was visiting my grandson one week-end, and when I walked into the house he said Mawmaw. Where’s Gaga (referring to his grandfather)? At that moment, Gran went out the window. I must admit, I was surprised he called me Mawmaw. I’ve often wondered how he came up with those names for us. Especially, since I had been calling myself Gran for almost 2 years. His grandfather had been calling himself granddaddy. Isn’t it amazing how things can change in a split second.
Now, I must admit that I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the name Mawmaw. I didn’t think it was a fit for me and it sounded so old fashion. I felt somewhat disappointed. Afterall, I’m not your typical grandma. I’m a high heel wearing diva who’s into blogging, texting, social media, and a need for wine. I just wasn’t feeling Mawmaw. I chose the name Gran because I didn’t want to end up with an old fashion out of date name. Gran was traditional, but still had a sophisticated ring to it. My daughter stated, “Mom you have to be whatever he calls you”. I wasn’t sure if I was disappointed because I had spent 9 months selecting a name and it was suddenly gone or because the name sounded so country and out of date. The only other person that I knew as Mawmaw was my 60 year old Aunt. My grandson had thrown a wrench into the plans. My siblings had chosen their names, and I wanted that opportunity too.
Our grandchildren use a variety of names for us. In my family there’s Poppy, Nana, Granny, and Granddaddy. As I was discussing the name change with co-workers, I was surprised to find out that many of their grandchildren called them MawMaw. It was actually a popular name. Who knew!
As I continued to think about it, it suddenly didn’t matter what he called me as long as he called my name. My grandson had changed my life forever. I looked at the change totally different. What’s in a name? I realized that my grandson had a mind of his own, and he was demonstrating his personality, his individuality, and how he felt about me. I was a Mawmaw, and he believed it was a fit for me. He didn’t see me as a diva, texter, blogger or wine taster. I was simply his Mawmaw. He has made it clear over the course of the years with his cousins, that’s my Mawmaw. I have happily accepted the nomination. I’ve held that title for 5 years, and I’m proud to wear it. I now have a grandson and granddaughter. I will continue to strive to be the #1 Mawmaw, because that is what is truly important.
What do your grandchildren call you or your parents? Leave us a comment, we would love to know.
