Grandfather's Name

Our first grandchild is due around May 2. I've been asked several times, "What do you want her to call you?"

There are lots of choices! Sometimes the first words out of a baby's mouth, directed at this relative, define how he will be addressed. I guess that's where some grandfathers got the name Bubby or Pop Pop.

In my family, grandfathers were often addressed using their last name, like Grandpa Lanning or Grandpa Fish. That seems a little formal for me. We used to call Dad's mother by her first name, kind of. That was Grandma Luella. That wouldn't be so bad.

I will have to take into account what the father of my daughter-in-law wants to be called. If he is Grandpa or Gramps or Grandpapa, that's out. I don't want Melanie to be confused, or to confuse the people she's talking to!

Around town, I'm beginning to be known as Preacher, or Smiley, or Rev. Maybe Grandpa Rev? I don't think so.

I've still got time to decide. I've got one or two names I'm leaning toward, for granddaughter Melanie to call me. Whatever. I know when she calls my name, my heart will skip a beat.

It's the same with God, our Father in heaven. When we call His name, it puts a smile on His face and makes His heart glad.