May 24, 2024

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Throughout our lives we are given many different names.

When I first came into this world, I was given a name – Paul Russell Semendinger.  Along with that, I was also a brother, a son, a nephew, a cousin, and a grandson.  The names came quickly at the start.

As we grow up, we’re then given other names including nicknames, and such…

Paul became, at times, Paulie.  Among the kids, I became Sem.  That one stuck with me, in various forms, even to the present day. 

When I became a teacher, I was very quickly, Mr. Sem.  Years later, as a principal, with a new degree, I earned the title Dr. Sem.  Even later, as college instructor, I became Professor Sem.

All great titles.

Of course, in the years in between, I started to become known by other great names.  I became a husband.  That’s a great name. 

And not many years after, I became Daddy. 

I have always loved being Daddy.  I cherished (and still cherish) the years that my boys were young and I heard that name countless times a day.  It was the best.  The more mature, Dad, is also a great name and one I also cherish.

But the other day, I was given a new name.  I can’t even think of this name without smiling and being overcome with absolute joy and happiness.  And wonder.

The other day, I became Grandpa.

And that just might be the greatest name of them all.