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Up Front: Remembering a fantastic man
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
Last Sunday marked an anniversary that I would rather not have to mark on my calendar each year. Unfortunately February 21st marks a time in my family’s history that will never be forgotten.
One of the most considerate human beings I’ve ever met passed away on Feb. 21, 2005. My brother-in-law John is sorely missed by our entire family. His death made me realize how important our family members are, and how long their expiration will haunt the remaining family members.
I always figured in-laws were supposed to be disliked, maybe I just struck it lucky with John.
John, I raise my glass to you. Although it has been five years, you are still on our minds and in our hearts.
For those of you who’ve never experienced death, when you get home tonight hug your family members tighter than you’ve ever before and ensure they know just how much you care for them. After all, we never know when our time will be up too.
Unique baby names
For those of you who are about to have your first baby, (maybe your second, third, fourth etc.) you’re likely looking for a name for your little tyke that will suit her/him and be appropriate even as he/she ages.
The 2009 top baby names were released recently and there are some intriguing names listed as some chosen for babies in Alberta.
My personal favourite for a little girl landed a number one spot on the girl’s list. Olivia was selected by 245 families in Alberta for their little gal’s name.
Ethan earned top spot with 355 families naming their little boy with that name.
One family in the province was hoping to have a daughter with a fairy tale ending, naming their daughter Cinderella.
Other girl names to top the list in Alberta included: Isabella, Ava, Emma, Hailey, Sophia, Chloe, Madison, Ella and Lily.
Top picked boys names included: Liam, Jacob, Logan, Noah, Alexander, Benjamin, Owen, William and Lucas.
There were also some unique, if not absurd names for both genders. For boys: Argyll, Bison, Boss, Chaos, Cherubim, Dice, Helix, Lightning, Mystery and Whip. For girls: Albertarose, Amazyn, Comfort, Epic, Fury, Mischiefs, Peanut, Twinkle, Victory and Whysper.
The unique names have been a common trend throughout North America over the past decade. I always thought Gwyneth Paltrow’s choice of naming her young daughter Apple was the most fascinating I’ve heard. Imagine if Apple’s favourite fruit was an apple... wouldn’t that be some type of cannibalism? All right... so that was a very bad joke.
Indeed unique names may ensure your child is the only person with his/her name in their school. I’ve always been partial to very old fashioned names. I think Ryan or Alexander for a little boy would be perfect. To me those are very strong names fit perfectly for a young gentleman.
It’s very interesting to hear a new baby’s name, to me it says a lot about the parents as well. If a parent chooses a unique name, my first instinct is to think they are adventurous and individualistic. A more classic name depicts a family of strong historical roots.
At the end of the day I just don’t see myself naming my child Bison, Chaos, Boss, Peanut or Twinkle. Those names are (in my opinion) best left as nicknames. Can you imagine your child going to school with the name Bison? His weight would be a constant joke. Kids are cruel enough without giving them extra ammunition to harass your child.
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