Sunday, September 25, 2022

My Name '23


I was named by my eldest brother; my mother no longer fathomed a girl on the way after her four boys.

I was named Kate and then quickly given the formal name Kathleen to make certain it didn’t become Katherine, a name of someone who made my mother feel unwelcome.

I looked up the meaning of my name, both Kate and Kathleen, when I was working at a bookstore during graduate school. The personalities attributed to each name were different and all suited me well.

My last name, something I have always loved, I gave up for my marriage as it was one of the very few musts my husband ever had. 21 years later, and our musts no longer compatible, I have reclaimed my original surname and, my goodness, it fits.

It isn’t the same fit as before, and I have to get used to its fabric again. 

I do love it.

It is mine and I don’t have to replace it, ever.

Though it no longer matches all of my children, I already haven’t matched names with everyone in my home for a few years. And though I won’t share a name in my home as I have before, I share everything that matters the most.

I love their names. Don’t think for a minute that I don’t.

And.

I love having my name back around me, matching my brothers and my mom.

The staccato that I always relished has returned to me; two strong, single syllables. 

OneTwo.

Kate Burke

That’s me.

(photo credit, B who loves to steal my phone and captures some authentic me-ness)
 

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