What's in a Name?

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. - William Shakespeare

A name is so important.  Not only is it what you are called by, but it's your title, your reputation, your history, all rolled into just a few words.  We decided on Alexander's name a LONG time ago... before I was obviously pregnant, before we knew he was a boy, before we knew he was destined to be required to be a fighter.  We really like the movies of wars, I know we have issues.  But when you think about those movies, they are legend mixed with a little history and even some Biblical references.  Think about 300, Troy, Alexander....
Then we looked up the meaning of the name Alexander... and learned that it's heritage is Greek and it means helper and defender of mankind.  What a name to live up to!  Of course, our first thoughts were football, being that the hubby nor I are small people, we're guessing that Alexander will be built solidly, and that's perfection for a lineman.  Think about it, the quarterbacks, running backs, and linebackers get the majority of the fame and glory for playing amazing football.  But if it weren't for the offensive and defensive lines, those boys/men would never have the chance to do their jobs.  There's a reason the "Great Wall of Dallas" will forever go down in history, that stories like that of Michael Oher will live on; without the protection and aid of those men, the Cowboys of yesteryear would never have gotten to where they did and there never would have been the story of "the Blind Side".  Even now, knowing what we think we know, and knowing the fight that Alexander has before him, we think of the examples he has that went before him, fighters (both physically and mentally) Alexander the Great, Alexander Hamilton, Alexander Graham Bell; all men who chased their dreams.
His middle name will be Luke.  My first thought of course was Luke of the Bible.  Apostle, helper, doctor... and then we looked up that name, of Latin origin meaning Light.  Just like the Bible says in Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."  Wow. so we've saddled our son with the name Alexander Luke... A helper and defender of man who will also be a light.  So glad it's not my name ;-).

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

Charles Spurgeon

Then we were thinking.  So many people I see that call their children, fighters of all things from cancer, to mitochondrial disease, to autism, to debilitating allergies, they call them their superheroes.  I completely believe that they are Superheroes, sent to teach us to truly love, to fight our way through life, these kids are so much smaller and many frailer than we will ever be, and yet they go through so much.  So, I was thinking, that Alexander (or Xander as he is known is certain groups of our friends), needs a superhero name.  Much like Batman and Superman have alter egos, Alexander needs one as well.  My mom hit the nail on the head.  Alexander will be known as "SUPER TONKA". Hubby's nickname since his teenage years has been "Tonka", because he was as tough as a Tonka truck.

So it's not the greatest picture... it was still healing... 

Ok, so it was a mirror picture... but you get the idea... I made that shirt when I was pregnant with John... 

And when John was born he was known as "Tiny Tonka".  So it's only fitting that Alexander will be "Super Tonka".  Now... I"m off to find him a cape... And for those that are wondering, because I"m sure you are... the "Tonka Tough" March of Dimes fundraising team will be reinstated, and will do more than jsut fundraising for March of Dimes!

Now... to find a cape!

The one thing I want to leave my children is an honorable name.

Theodore Roosevelt