Namesake

This past Sunday morning, Richard received a call from his mom, giving us the news that his grandmother, Mrs. Lillian Kathryn Weisner Gabriel, at the age of 92, had passed away. As most of you know, it took us quite awhile to decide on a name for our little munchkin girl. We tossed around several choices and combinations, but none of them were quite right. We finally decided on Lillian Kate; naming her for Richard's grandmother Lillian and my little sister, her Aunt Katie (Catherine) and, inadvertently, using Lillian's middle name as well.

On Wednesday Richard, Lily and I traveled to Greensboro to attend the service for his grandmother. It was a beautiful service and although there were some tears shed, there was so much joy in the celebration of her life. Hearing stories about her from those who knew and loved her allowed me to get to know this wonderful woman in a way I wasn't able to before she passed away. She actively managed the family businesses in a way not common for many women in her time, in addition to being a mother of four children and was a lifelong, respected and very well-loved member of her church and community. The stories of her generosity and compassion are plentiful, as well as the stories of her love for her family. She was a remarkable woman who will be greatly missed.

As Lily grows, I know she will be told the story of her namesake many times - but she will also be told the legacy behind that namesake. My hope is that she follows in the footsteps of that legacy; that she grows to be a faithful, respected, self-confident, compassionate, loving woman who is not afraid to be independent in a world that so often tries to force a common mind. With the namesake she has and the family that surrounds and loves her so much, I know she will.