All in a Name

I always cringed when people would address their significant others as "mom" or "dad". It seemed silly and kind of gross. I recall making a mental note to be mindful not to do this with John. He, after all, isn't my dad. Then we had kids. His nickname didn't change overnight, there was still the usual "babe" or "honey", etc. but there was the occasional "dad" sprinkled in there. I still cringed when I said it and didn't like it.

But then I remember spending a Christmas, as we normally do, with family. I recall observing the group for quite some time and noticing that the family was all doing something similar. Each and every one of them was addressing one another in the way a child would. Auntie Jackie is always Auntie Jackie, unless she is being addressed as "Nina" (for being a grandmother). Uncle Doug is always Uncle Doug. Uncle Matt is usually Uncle Matt, unless you are at a Wild game with him and he is trying to look cool for the ladies. Their relationships with children now define their title and how they present themselves to a good percentage of people in their life.

I realized that my family generally does this as well. Wes is now, "Grandpa Wes", my mom is now "Numna", and my sister is "Auntie", even some non-blood relatives have adopted these names of endearment and utilize them with pride, even when the kids are not around.

How spectacular is this? For a family member to appreciate, honor and respect the children around them that they change the way they are addressed by all. I can see no better term that to be called "mom", and in fact I will take it from anyone who wishes, even my husband, even if it is a little weird. It is the most important title I have and I will wear it out.