March 10th is Middle Name Pride Day. Although it’s a new holiday to me, I have actually celebrated it every day for many years. You see, my middle name, Maxine, is from my Grandma, my Dad’s mother. I am honored to share her name as she was truly an inspiration to me!
The name Maxine means “Greatest” and it is truly fitting of my Grandmother!  Grandma was a Hallmark version of a grandmother. Some of my earliest memories are of her rocking me in Grandpa’s rocking chair, singing Rock-a-by-Baby. She loved all people with a golden approach, but was especially drawn to her family. She knew the value of family and taught it by perfect example, with all the gentleness that a Grandma can have.
We played games when I was young, games like  Hide the Thimble, Chinese Checkers, and card games like Flinch. Games were fun with Grandma; she usually let me win and always laughed throughout. She loved spending time with me and I with her. We lived close to her and spent hours each week together, but I never tired of our times.
Grandma taught me to crochet, encouraged me to do well in school, and took a genuine interest in me, as a person and as her granddaughter. She saw something special in each person she met, and would tell everyone about how wonderful her family was. I’m not sure I could ever live up to the kind, enthusiastic, and confident words she spoke of me, but she was sure that’s who I was.
Grandma and Grandpa had endured hardships during the Depression and while she told of the challenges, she expressed gratitude for all they had had. The families had stayed close and helped each other, one growing potatoes while another milked cows. Grandpa was a mechanic and did all kinds of odd jobs to see them through. Grandma supported his efforts in many ways, including finding dozens of ways to prepare the simple fare that was usually centered on the potatoes.
She had hoped for a large family, but was graced with two children, my Dad was the first born, then a beautiful little girl, sadly lost to meningitis at the very young age of 5. Grandma carried the sadness from that loss throughout her life, never complaining, but sometimes saying she really missed her little girl. I think at times she hugged me tighter, in memory of her sweet Kathy.
When I was married, Grandma helped prepare the food and was just completely thrilled to be a part of the preparation.  She welcomed my new husband as if he were her grandson by birth.  When each of our children was born, she was elated. She would hold them, rock them, and just smile with such a warm expression that she lit the entire room. A favorite expression of hers was “I can’t imagine anyone not loving a baby!”  Grandma loved babies and children. She loved family. Children in the family were just that much more special.
***She loved pets, too! Â Grandma had plenty of love to share!***
Our children loved Grandma in the same way.   We would visit her often and she would hug each warmly as she asked them if they wanted cookies or cake. She loved to bake and always had fresh baked goods ready to share. We’d have coffee, the kids would enjoy cookies and milk, and we’d chat for hours. It was always a challenge to leave.
I’ve shared some of Grandma’s favorite cookie recipes on the cookie page. Â
After Grandpa’s death, Grandma developed Alzheimer’s and gradually became less tuned in to her beloved family. It hurt so much to see her leave us, but I am still filled with the memories and complete love that she bestowed upon each of us.
But back to my name—the name that is such an honor to share with my dear Grandma, the Greatest Grandma. Maxine was not a popular name when I was a child and was not cool like other’s middle names, but it helped define that connection between my Grandma and me. I am so thankful that we had many years together and look forward to seeing her again in Heaven.
Happy Middle Name Pride Day!!
What an amazing woman. Definitely a middle name to treasure.
Thanks Jenn!
My middle name is Lyn, I grew up in the south and lived most of my life with 2 names and it wasn’t until I left Texas that I started introducing myself just as Shelby!
I love how our names evolve over time, Shelby. I was always “Dee, Dianna’s daughter.” Diane is my actual name and I use it for most things, but still prefer to be called Dee by family and friends.
Grandma sounds special, and how lucky for you all. You got a great namesake! And maybe one day your grandkids will say something like that about you–wouldn’t be at all surprised!
Thank you, Carol! My Grandma was an incredible woman and our family was so fortunate to be a part of her world.
I have no middle name! Waaaaah (see Ma, I told you this would get me one day LOL) Actually, I disliked my name growing up, but I see the tradition in it now – My dad’s middle name was Lee, mom’s name is Suzanne. They blended them for my name. That didn’t mean much at 8 years old when I desperately wanted to be an Ashley Dawn, but, as my parents get older, it means a lot more.
I did have a fabulous grandmother, though, and my daughter is named for her!
How wonderful for you to share your parent’s names and also for your daughter to have her Great Grandmother’s name.
Your Grandmother sounds amazing! How special that you were named for her!
She was an incredible woman, Kristen. And yes, I feel so honored to be among her grandchildren and to be named for her.