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.
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