What's in a Name?

My name is Holden, that is H-O-L-D-E-N!  There are lots of things about this name that I love.  SO we'll start with the positives.  I love that my name is unique, not many people are named Holden and certainly not many people my age are named Holden.  I'm named after both my Grandmothers, Evelyn Holden and Elizabeth Ann, which combined you get me Holden Elizabeth.  I love the tradition of the name and being able to say I'm named after my Grandmothers who are two of the most wonderful people I know and if I could end up half as nice, caring, beautiful and loving as either of them I would be doing great in life.  So I have always grown up loving my name and what is represents even after that stint in middle school.  It began with things like Whatcha holding holden? Holden What?  Holden Deez, Holden Ballz, Holden Butts, Holden Cotten...etc add all the adjectives in world.  I still loved my name and after middle and high school the names quickly faded and just the random comments whatcha holden still seemed to exist, but came back with more witty remarks.  Like when meeting someone for the first time Hi I'm Holden, Whatcha Holden, (while shaking hands) well your hand right now......hahahahaha  (erupting into laughter, real for them, fake for me as I have heard this 1001 times).  Then in college the response went something like this... whacha holden? A beer right now... or nothing, how about buying me a drink?  These became some of my favorite responses.  The only really negative response (depends on how you look at it), was when I called Blue cross blue shield and stated my name to lady, who by the way is a customer service representative, paid to be nice and help people.  First Name Holden, last Name Royall-- paid customer service rep response, no offense (oh this can't be good) but your name sounds like a PORN STAR.  REALLY???  And your name please, Jessica, thank you Jessica I'll now be hanging up with you and calling back to report you to your supervisor.  Isn't your porn name supposed to be your middle name and the street you grew up on.  Thanks for that info, now I'm trying to think of what my name might really sound like coming out of some 70's porn stars mouth, with his handlebar mustache draping over his top lip.  Hi I'm Steve Slingbocker, Hi Steve I'm Holden Berry Downs Royall... sounds kinda great, thanks Jessica from BCBS for jump starting my new career.
Now as I find myself at my current job and I guess working with a lot elderly people and the fact that the lady in my position was here for 9 years before me, THEY JUST DON"T GET IT!!!!!!!!!   So I have sign taped the front of my desk that says HOLDEN, one taped on the side wall that says HOLDEN.  Every single day this is what I go through.   Where's PAT? (lady who worked here 9 years), she retired in December, what's your name, Holden, is that your first name?  -insert what I would like to say EVERYDAY... Yes you old person it is my first same, when I ask what your name is do you respond, Johnson, Smith, Jones... I don't think so, most people when asked what their name is usually respond with their first name.   Then some days people actually see my sign and they say HOLDEN, is that your son's name?  -Insert what I would like to say... (sarcasm here) Yes actually most normal people do post up signs with their children's names around their desk. Because first and foremost I would like you to recognize that I have children and that their names are special and secondly that I'm here to schedule your appointment and it's not important what my name is.  And yes I am a girl, no I'm not a Mr and I'm so glad your little grandson, nephew, neighbors son etc are all named Holden, and they are all boys, that's really great.  REALLY REALLY.  I have work several jobs in the past and by several I mean a lot.  One instance at the Carolina Mudcats when it was a rain delay and the phone were ringing off the hook about whether the game was cancelled or not.... goes like this Thank you for calling the Carolina Mudcats, this is Holden how may I help you.. wait, what don't put me on hold, no sir my name is Holden what can I help you with.  Other than that one time, my name has never been a problem at any of my jobs UNTIL NOW.  The only thing I can figure is old people either one can't hear and don't understand what I'm saying or they just don't care about being rude and basically making fun of my name to my face.   So I asked my boss for a name plate, it's on order. We'll see if it help to be continued.....

But here's to you Ethel, Vira, Betty, Jean, Ira, Esther, Geraldine and Bulah.... I'm H to the izO, L to  the DEN, it's my anthem, get your damn hands up!!!  Lata Playas!