What's in a Name?

Dear Sean--

Several months ago, after the doctors told us that we would be having a little boy, we knew right away that we would name you Sean Thomas. Though we debated several names, this was the only one that felt right. You see, you were named after two of your Great-Grandfathers -- John Connors and Thomas Sauer.

Sean is an Irish variant of the name John, which means "God is Gracious" or "Gift of God." Your great-grandfather, John Connors, was a wonderful man. I have so many wonderful memories of him. Like the way he had a nickname for everyone (he always called me Dolly or Sara Bagara). Or how he was always whistling. When he would come visit us, at least once a day, he'd put on his hat and go for a nice long walk. And over Christmas, he was always able to see Santa's sleigh in the sky and hear reindeer pawing on the roof. He would always make us laugh with his mispronunciation of "skebetti" and "topato." In addition to all the great times we had, and the wonderful memories I have, he instilled in me, and in our family, a deep pride in our Irish heritage. So it is quite fitting that in naming you after him, we gave you an Irish variant of his name.

Thomas Sauer was Daddy's grandpa. He was an engineer who loved to tinker with old cars and play with HAM radio. He was a strict vegan, with one exception -- he LOVED ice cream! At times, he was known to eat an entire half-gallon of ice cream on one day. He liked to frequent garage sales, looking for deals on old electronics. Sometimes he'd tinker with them to fix them up, but more often than not, they just piled up. He had a workshop in his garage, and when Daddy and uncle Jeff would go visit, he always had a project going.

Sean Thomas, your name is special, just like you. You were named after two great men who were very special to Mommy and Daddy. And their spirit lives on in you.

Love,
Mommy