What’s in a Name?   

What’s in a name?

Annoyance. Exasperation. Maybe a tinge of sadness.

Because sometimes, you know that the name on your caller ID is going to add major complications to your life.

“Hi, Mommy! How are you? What did the doctor say about that rash on your arm?” Deflect. Distract. Sometimes it works. Medical aches and pains are one of Mommy’s pet topics, and if I can get her started on how the doctors of today are woefully underqualified, I can just wedge the phone under my ear and finally get some Shabbos cooking done, along with occasional expressions of sympathy.

Mommy ignores my questions, and the sinking sensation in my stomach is so strong, I have the sudden giddy feeling that I’m on one of those upside-down, stand-up roller coasters at Six Flags. Only Aryeh’s dare could have gotten me into that fix.

“…Aryeh!” Mommy’s voice is shrill. “Right?”

Time for damage control.

“I’m not sure I understood, Mommy,” I say soothingly. “What’s the problem with Aryeh?”