Thursday, January 31, 2008

Dear Anonymous Email Sender

I received an email today from a woman who says that she is absolutely horrified at the spelling of my children's names. She claims that she is a teacher and that I should be ashamed of myself for setting my children up for certain ridicule when they are in school.

This email comes after I was reading a message board where a woman was making fun of my children's names. She received the Scrapbook.com email newsletter which contained a portion of my weeklyn column. Breuklyn's name was mentioned in the portion that she read, and she was "disgusted" that I had "messed up" not only one child's name, but all three. I bet that she would be surprised to find that I read what she wrote about my children. The internet isn't all that big.

Names are personal. Names are definitely something that you hear and either think, "Wow... love it" or "Blech. Don't like it." Regardless of one's initial reaction, I would hope that one would have the decency to keep such a reaction to oneself. Again, names are very personal and I will take it personally if someone feels it necessary to insult my very young children.

I love Breuklyn's name. It is the name of a city in the Netherlands. It is also the original spelling of Brooklyn, so it isn't like I made it up out of nowhere. I really feel that I shouldn't have to defend my choice, but here I am defending it.

I grew up with a unique name. There aren't that many Estee's running around. Is it annoying that I have to spell out my name to people on the phone? No. Is it annoying that I can't buy a pencil or a mug with my name printed on the front. Um... No. Is it cool that someone can say my name and someone else could jump in and say, "Hey! I know her!" from name recognition only. Yes. I think that is cool. I LIKE being the only Estee that I know. I feel special. Does that mean that every Sarah or Jennifer doesn't feel special? No, not at all. All it means is that I like having a unique name. I always have. And now my children will have that same opportunity.

So please stop with the anonymous emails and the ridiculous jabs on message boards. And that is all I have to say about that.

12 comments:

shopgirlaudi said...

OMG!!! If that isn't the most ridiculous thing EVER. Does this person not have anything better to do???!!! SO juvenile. I LOVE your kids names, Estee:) And being that you are the one who carried them and birthed them, you are free to chose whatever name you like...So there!!! :)

BB said...

Total Crap!
Anonymous Email Sender: I blow an internet raspberry at you!

Heidi said...

Your children's names are awesome, and let no one tell you different! (says the girl trying to name her children after fruit, constellations, an the last names of certain tv characters)

xoxo

Anonymous said...

That's crazy! As a mon who spelled her children's names unusually too (Konnor, Kelsee & Karter)- I say you go girl!:)

taryn said...

So sorry this has happened to you Estee. I don't understand why someone would want to be so hurtful towards anyone. The whole anonymity thing just speaks of cowardice and low self-esteem, so you should probably feel sorry for that person. Be encouraged, celebrate your creativity and your children's uniqueness! Hugs to you!!!!

Melissa S said...

Oh my.....and she says she is a teacher??? Sorry you had to read about that...and I certainly hope you commented directly back on the thread!

The Dolphin Inn said...

Well said !!!
I love your originality,AND all your names - keep smiling :)

Leah said...

Next up they'll attack those of us with crazily spelled German last names sheesh! Darn those ancestors!

I LOVE the spelling of your kids names - this person obviously has way too much time on their hands and should maybe scrapbook a bit more. It's good therapy ya know ;)

Lal said...

I second what my sis said. Does this person have nothing better to do than to insult you? Get a life! I think your kids names are GREAT! I wouldn't give a rat's patootie what anyone else said or thought!! Even if you named your kids something like "Blanket" or "toothbrush" what the heck bussiness is it of this "anonymous person?? Ugh..I'm just mad now! Don't pay her NO mind, Estee :) :)

betsy (pharmgirl) said...

Wow. How strange to email you about that. You should be able to call them "Star Child" and "Moonbeam" if you want . . .

Anonymous said...

That person has lost her mind! She obviously needs a hobby. May I suggest something BESIDES scrapbooking for her, something simple like coloring ! LOL !!! Seriously, I have an unusual name , I spelled my oldest dd's name differently, so she wouldn't be the same as everyone else! I also love the way you spelled your kids names! I am so sorry that she had to do this to you. I for one do not agree with her and I doubt any one else does either. Have a wonderful week!

Ardelle
auntidel

Heather Landry said...

Seriously people have no lives! I admire your children's names. I think they are sooo unique. Being unique is a rare thing these days! Hopefully she's not teaching any of my kids! Jeez.