The Love is Equal

I’m guessing most parents do it. Probably teachers too.

We call our children by every wrong name — our brains aimlessly flipping through the Rolodex — before landing on the child’s actual name. You know, the name they were given at birth, by which they have been addressed… I dunno… since always!

“Stacy…… Keith….. Lesley….. Whoever You Are….. NATALIE!”

Why does this happen? Are we THAT tired?!?!

Once upon a time I heard a perfectly perfect explanation for this common slip of the tongue, and whether or not it’s supported by actual psychological research… who cares. I like it.

We erroneously spew a string of incorrect names prior to [ding, ding, ding] saying the right one because

THE LOVE IS EQUAL.

Each child [each person*] takes up the same amount of heart space. Each name occupies a front row seat in the frontal lobe. It is the epitome of “Each of you is my favorite.”

So if it takes me a hot second to conjure up the correct name, here’s a peek at why…

The one on the left — she’s my favorite. My #1. She made me a momma. Her soul is tender; her faith is mighty. She is beautifully brilliant and brilliantly beautiful. She steals my breath.

The one in the middle — she’s my favorite. My goodness did I want her. She stores happiness in her cheeks. Her contentment sets the ultimate example. She is my special angel; a slice of Heaven.

The one on the right — he’s my favorite. My boy, my bubba. He holds THEE key. His ways are adventurous, meticulous, and pure. I cannot get enough. He melts me into a thousand puddles.

“Brady….. Tommie….. Brooks….. YOU OVER THERE!”

Indeed, the love is equal and the love is big.

* This theory also rings true for best friends, siblings, cousins, pets, or anyone who adds to the volume of your life. May your list of names be long. May your cup runneth over.