Rose Namesake

In my wedding guest book my maternal grandmother wrote, "Rose--the 'love' namesake." I was the third girl to have the middle name of Rose, with my grandmother being the first. Ever since I was little, I hoped to have a girl who I would give Rose as a middle name. I was full of joy when we discovered that we would be having a little girl, and were excited to pass the tradition on to her. She is now the 4th Rose, and I pray, will be able to spread love to all who meet her. I am sure her Great-Grandma Carolyn taught her in heaven before she was born about love and prepared her, in a way, to come down to our family.

After Adelai Rose was born, my father-in-law made little rose necklaces, engraved with her name on the back. He gave one to my mother, myself, and my daughter, as well as making a tie tack for my husband. We love them.

Adelai is a special girl who is loved beyond a shadow of doubt. She comes from a lineage of strong and courageous women. I hope she never forgets who she is. Maybe, if we have a second girl, we will have to give her the name of Jenny, which was my name as a child when I lived in Japan. We wouldn't want her to feel left out :).

Be strong, little girl. Spread your love to everyone.