What’s in a name?

When we were born, our parents gave us a name. Sometimes a baby is given an old family name, sometimes a baby is named after a family member or friend & sometimes the baby is not named after anyone. Typically, a baby grows into their name.

A child's name will often get shortened. My name got shortened to Meg. Family & close friends called me Meg. I liked my name then & now. In school, most of my teachers called me Megan, unless there was more than student who shared my name. You can’t really misspell Meg. Megan can be spelled so many different ways.

My older brother Andrew calls me, ‘Nerd’. I return the favour by also calling him, ‘Nerd’. It’s not meant to be mean. He was never called, Andy. When he got to high school his friends called him Drew. Ever since then he has gone by Drew. Our family still calls him Andrew from time to time.

My oldest brother Stuart was called Stuey as a baby. By the time I came along, he was Stu. He usually calls me Babe or Baby.

I usually call my mother, Mom or Ma. I always call my father, Dad. Now my parents are grandparents. Their oldest grandchild has named them. Even though we refer to them Grandma & Grandpa, Sophie has her own names. She calls my Dad, ‘Campy’. We think she means Grampy. Sophie loves her Campy. My Mom has been patiently waiting for Sophie to call her by name. The other day it finally happened. Sophie proudly said, ‘Bye bye Gamma’. It was a cool moment to witness.

Sophie calls Stu & I by our first names because our names are easy for her to say. We always refer to Stu’s wife as Auntie Michelle, but that is still too hard for Sophie to say.

A name is important. Naming a child is a big responsibility because it sticks with a person for life.

Why?

I have had this blog post partly done for at least a week.

The idea came from a book my Dad was reading. The book was about Warren Buffett, one of the wealthiest persons in the world. Warren describes the “Ovarian theory”. He believes he won the ovarian lottery. He means by being born into his family, was a lucky day. Warren could have been born in a third world country, to a family who did not have the means to support him in any way.

The following questions & answers are based on my interpretation of the “Ovarian theory”.

I hope the post was worth the long wait.

Why am I me and not someone else?

My life is definitely complicated by the neuromuscular disorder that I have, but I would not want to be someone else. It might also be that I am meant to stand as an example to future generations. Perhaps I have a disorder, so that future members of my family can be tested to see if they carrier the disorder. All of these answers are valid points.

I could just as easily been born as another person, free from my condition, but I wouldn’t want to be someone else. I’d be lying if I didn’t dream of one day walking down the aisle with my Dad at my side & the man of my dreams waiting patiently to marry me. I wouldn’t want to be anyone, but who I am.

Why was I born into such an amazing family?

I believe I was born into a loving, supportive family because together we are a strong unit. We protect each other.

My doctor says that the cure for my disorder will not be one specific drug, but rather many factors that come together to complete the puzzle.

I know he is right because without my family, I would not be where I am today, physically or mentally.

I was born into this family because they are emotionally strong enough to handle anything & everything.

My parents are so strong when I need them to be and I am strong when they need to be.

I come from a family with a clever sense of humour. We laugh every day. Sometimes I laugh when I am not suppose to.

My brothers have been known to make me laugh. I have always been the little sister who they protect at all costs. I was meant to be born after my brothers. There is enough of an age gap that we never fought.

My brother’s are both married. I now have the sisters I asked my parents for when I was younger. I am so blessed to have sisters in my life.

My cousin who is closest to my age is great. Our relationship has grown over the years. We are more like sisters than cousins. We will go months without seeing each other & yet when we do get together, we never miss a beat. I am so thankful to have her in my life.

Why do I have the friends I have?

I believe my friends are meant to be my friends. Without them, I would not be where I am today, emotionally and socially.

Friends share the good things in life. True friends are there for the hard times. A friendship is a relationship of give & take.

My best friend has been there for me, since the day we met back in grade nine. We’ve both had some hard times in our lives, and we support each other, no matter what. Yes, I use a wheelchair, but that doesn’t much matter to my best friend. I am appreciative of the fact that she sees me for who I am. All we need is a bag of ketchup chips & a cheese covered pizza and we are set for an evening of storytelling & gossip.

My friends are all special to me. All of my friends have cars or SUV’s that fit my wheelchair in the back. It is never a problem. They get me in the car & put the chair in the back. One of my competitive friends times herself & tries to beat her previous time.

I am with my friend for the long haul. We have many adventures together & we have many more to come. Usually our stories involve food!

Why was I born in Canada and not in a third world country?

Canada has an excellent medical system. Canada is home to a top neuromuscular doctor. This doctor has an excellent supporting medical team.

Why was I chosen to have a disorder?

I believe everything happens for a reason. Someone much greater than all of us, has a master plan for our lives. I believe in fate and destiny.

I don’t think it is an accident that I grew up less than an hour from the hospital where I would eventually go to for treatment of my disorder. There is no cure for my disorder, but the world renowned specialist in neuromuscular disorders, is at the head of my medical team.

Life is great!

I do not have all of the answers, nor do I pretend to.

I am happy just being me.