The meaning of a name. . .
Today I have a heavy heart.
My mother-in-law is in surgery. One that will hopefully prolong her life for many years since her recent cancer diagnosis.
You might wonder what’s this got to do with the title of my post today,The meaning of a name. . .
Most of you know that Lynn Rush is my pen name. My mother-in-law played a part in that, though. So, I wanted to share the story…
~~~
As much as I love my husband and his character-building, very Dutch last name, its complex spelling and pronunciation doesn’t work well in the writing world. So, you can imagine I was encouraged to pick a pen name early on in my writing career.
I’m a sentimental kinda gal. I mean, I tell everyone the diamond in my wedding ring is my mother-in-law’s engagement diamond. She’s been married to her hubby for over 42 years!
It’s just me. I love that stuff.
So, when I was encouraged to pick a pen name, I had to go the sentimental route with that as well. I wanted something nice and short, easy to remember, and just kinda flowed off the tongue.
Yet I wanted some meaning behind it.
We threw out funny last names to go with Sheri (Yep, that’s my real first name) such as Speed, Crash, silly ones like that to kind of represent my love of speed (speed skating, road biking, mountain biking) and the tendency to crash while participating in those adventures.
But nothing flowed.
So, one morning, my sweet hubby and I were on a scenic drive, throwing out name ideas. I don’t remember the exact wording, but the conversation went something like this:
“Hey, Char, what about Lynn?”
He smiled. “Well, it is your middle name.”
“But I was thinking more of your mom, though. It’s her first name and she was the first to read anything I’d ever written. Plus, she’s a great writer. Remember she wrote When Was It Love for our wedding?”
He smiled and nodded. “It’s nice.”
I thought it only appropriate, considering Lynn was instrumental to where I am today, and not just as a writer, but as a woman and wife as well.
We decided on Rush to kind of go with the speed-junky-thing I have going on, but most importantly is the first name. Technically it’s my middle name, but I know the real reason behind it.
~~~
So, I dedicate today’s post to Lynn Boeyink. She’s stepped into a war for her life after having been diagnosed with a form of liver cancer that didn’t leave her with great odds of beating. One of the many battles she’ll face is today…surgery.
Love you, Mom II.
If you’re interested, you can follow her journey on CaringBridge.
23 Comments
Christine Ashworth
Hugs, Lynn! I’ll be keeping both her and you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Christine!
Savannah Chase
Lynn I have tears in my eyes..Wow..I hope the surgery went well…I shall keep her in my prayers.
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Savannah. Lynn’s a special person, that’s for sure.
Amber Wilkinson
Wow Sheri! I had no idea that this was happening! I know that God is watching over your family right now. I’m constantly praying for you guys!
Love ya!!
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Amber!
Kat Heckenbach
Wow, Lynn. Amazing story. And sounds like a pretty amazing woman. Sounds, too, like she’s got the spirit to fight this! Will be cheering her forward in that!
Lynn Rush
HI, Kat. You know a little bit about a fighting spirit, don’t you? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
danicaavet
I’m praying for your mother-in-law, Lynn. She sounds like a wonderful woman.
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Danica. She is. I heard you were sick with a cold yesterday. Hope you’re feeling better!
Laura Diamond
Best of luck–I hope she does well!! What a wonderful tribute to name a pen name after her. 😉
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Laura. Yep, let’s just say, if I’m ever pubbed, she’ll be on the dedication right after God & my hubby. She’s a great writer. An inspiration on many levels.
Jill W
If? It will definitely be WHEN for you. Keep us posted.
lori Lundquist
Praying, my friend. Great post too. Love you.
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Lori. Love ya, sis.
Jillian Chantal
Praying for your mother in law. Hope it all goes well and is a success. It’s wonderful that you have such a caring, loving relationship with her.
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Jillian. Yep, called her Mom II from the beginning, practically. 🙂
Ciara Knight
Wow, I’m in tears, Lynn. I will keep your mom II in my prayers today. If it’s any comfort my mother in law has conquered two different forms of cancer in three years. God is amazing! Keep the faith. My prayers are with you, Charlie, your mother in law, and the entire boeyink family.
Lynn Rush
Thanks for sharing about your MIL, too. God is amazing, indeed. Thanks for your prayers.
Jill W
Beautiful post, Lynn. My prayers are with your Mother in Law and your entire family today.
Lynn Rush
Thank you, Jill. That means a lot. 🙂
Kendall Grey
What a touching story, Lynn. I’m thinking about you and your mother-in-law today. She must be so proud of you.
Kendall
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Kendall!