Nicholas with NicholasIt’s weird to have a child named after you. You look into the child’s eyes and wonder if the name brings a greater connection between the shared namesakes. With your own child the connection is apparent and so to the child’s desire to meet the perceived expectations of his father. This is the way it is with me and with my son who carry the name of their fathers, except for Roman numerals at the end. What of a child who carries your name, but is not related?
It is not unusual for Samoans to name children after palanges, westerners. They are extremely proud of children with these names. So the newest baby in our host family circle is named after me, Nicholas, not the Samoan version of Niko, but Nicholas. What is to be our relationship? Have I unknowingly become the Samoan equivalent of a Godfather? Is the child’s future as clouded and convoluted as his older brother, Lawrence, named after his prospective adoptive American father? Maybe it is just a name that suddenly came to mind, a fad of Nicholas’, a way to avoid a family debate, or maybe more.
1 comment:
Dad, I believe it is something more. What an honor to have a new member of your host family named after you! In my humble opinion, the baby's mother made an excellent choice. Though young Nicholas certainly has his work cut out for him. Nicholas Charles Shuraleff,II is a tough act to follow.
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