What's in a Name?

Okay, so I'm a big believer in finding out the meaning behind a name.  Not that I think the meaning of a name defines who a person is, I just find it interesting.  For example, Rich's name means "Great and powerful ruler" and in this case, it suits him.  It is also his grandpa's name.  I would substitute "leader" for "ruler, " but that's just semantics. 

So, when choosing a name for our second daughter, it was important to me that the name have some sort of meaning.  What?  I didn't know, but I just wanted there to be a story behind how she got her name. 

So - here's the story (I will make it quick).  We knew right away that her middle name would be Ruth.  Not the most beautiful, girly name, but it's Rich's late grandma's name.  The name sounds strong and so was she.  Following the unexpected death of her husband, Rich, she raised her two kids (Rich's dad and his Aunt Betty) as a single mom, living on the top floor of her brother's house.  I have always admired her fun attitude and through Rich's stories about her, I imagine her to be an atypical grandma: throwing pitches to her grand kids and letting them eat Spagettios in front of the TV.

As for a first name.....Now that was tricky.  I liked Eliza (joy) and Alexandra (my imaginary daughter's name when I was in high school).  Rich?  Skyler, Haley and a bunch of other names that we just couldn't agree on.  Then one night, he came to bed and said, "How about Elaina?"  Not bad.  Except for the fact that Elaina is a character on Vampire Diaries - not exactly the story I imagined behind the name....But - I liked it.  So maybe I just needed to get over myself?  Right?

Naw.  I did a little Google research (as any normal person would) and found out that Elaina means "light."  Hmm - light.  Well, now what?  Light is nice, but it's not exactly screaming with meaning.  Until i found this verse in John: "The light will shine through the darkness.  That darkness will never overcome the light."  Well.  There. You.  Have. It.

Elaina is our light that shines through a very, very dark two years.  She is the light that her sister, mom , and dad prayed hard for, and she is the surprising gift from God that we so desperately needed. 

To us, she is God saying, "Here - here is your little light.  You have made it through a dark time and you still believe.  So here is my perfect gift to you." 

In just a few weeks, we will welcome our new light into our lives with open arms.