On Friday evening, our ward Relief Society had an Enrichment meeting. I had signed up to make a couple of the projects so I felt like I had to go. I left the kids home alone, since K was working late, and headed out for an evening of good food, spiritual inspiration, and fun crafts. My kids called several times on the drive over to the church to let me know who was hurting whom and that the baby was crying and everyone was hungry and could I please not go and just come home. I was beginning to doubt my decision to go. I walked into a room full of familiar faces but I felt alone with no kids hanging on me. We have lived in this ward about 7 months but I have been teaching Primary for 6 months so I honestly don't know very many people. I was very much out of my comfort zone. There was a line for the dinner so I went over and got in line. The woman standing next to me turned and said, "Your name is L, right?" The woman in front of her turned and said, "I don't waste time on learning names. I just know who you belong to." I was a little surprised by her comment but I calmly said, "Oh? And who do I belong to?" She smiled and said,"You're S's mom." Another woman behind me spoke up and said, "I just know your V's sister." Another woman said, "I know you as the cops' wife with all the kids."
WOW! I was speechless.
Who am I?
Yes, I am a daughter!
Yes, I am a sister!
Yes, I am a wife!
And Yes, I am a mother!
But, my name is L! What is yours?
Do you remember names? Or do you settle for just knowing who someone belongs to?
P.S. I sat by the woman who knew my name.
11 comments:
I know names, Laurie. I think a person's name is important and I think it's as equally important to use people's names when you know them.
It's good to know who belongs to which family, as well, but knowing a person's name gives you a stronger connection with that person.
I would have sat next to the same woman!
Laurie this is such a good post. I have only lived in my ward for 6 months. I still sometimes feel like stranger, especially since during the summer we were gone alot. I am not good with names, but I work at it. I think it makes people feel that they are worth your effort and time, when you do.
That's just wierd that the second lady would even say something like that.
But who is in your ward that knows me?
I know how you feel--I've been in my ward for 2 years and was put right into primary. I don't know very many people either. I can't go to any Relief Society activities because for the last 2 years I've been in school on those nights. It is hard to feel like you fit in when you don't know people on a first name basis. Hopefully it gets better for you.
I think names are soooooooo important. I work hard to not only know people's names, but pronounce them correctly. As a kid, I was called Gina and Janna a lot. How hard is it to say Jenna?
Names are very important. And I don't think you need to be a wiz either. I often admit, I'm sorry I've forgotten your name, but then I try to say it several times so I don't forget again.
Venita, There are alot of people in my ward that know you. Ryan Jackson, Nathan Kurt, I think is his name. He is married to Alisha Crane. The girl that knew you the other night was Jessica Whitlock, I think that is her maiden last name. Almost every week I meet someone who knows either you, Mel, Lynnette, or David. You should come visit. You'd probably know even more than the one's I mentioned.
I'm with you 100 percent! When we first moved to our Virginia ward the woman that I felt closest to, was the first one that called me by my first name. She knew me as Cindy, not Myshel's mom or even Sister.....
I introduce myself as Cindy and it felt good that she cared enough to remember my name.
I know ryan, jessica, and alicia but i dont know nathan. That's crazy they're all in your ward. And we should come visit sometime, that would be fun.
When I was reading your post. I have felt exactly the same way. It was as if you were writing my words for me. It is nice to know that people feel the same way, in the same situations that I have. That is why I love the blogging world.
I love names! Whenever We go on a road trip, I tell Pete we are going to talk about Names! he's a good sport and I tell him the names i love for future children etc. I also think it's important to spell people"s names right.
I am glad you sat by the girl who knew your name- I hope the other woman know it now!
I agree with all this, and can only add one thing--learn all the names you can while under 55, because it sure does get difficult after that!
We've moved home so many times that all names begin to blur after a while. Embarrassing really. Not intentional at all. I'll have to try harder to do better because it is important.
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