Your Name

Dear JJ,

Your Daddy and I picked out a name for you a year ago.

Your first name is Jasper. Jasper was one of the three wise kings who came from the east, bearing gifts for the Baby Jesus, who was born poor, to an unwed mother, and who born in a manger withe ox, cow, sheep and other farm animals. We thought how fitting it is that the name of a king, rich and wise, from the east, should bestow his name on a poor orphan. The gift of a name that has more meaning and irony in it than any other name that we could think of. And we hope that you will have bestowed on you the wisdom, charity, kindness and riches for a king.

Your second name is Joseph. You are named after your Daddy. Your Daddy is funny, fun, full of life, always wondering and questioning, smart and outgoing, caring and thoughtful, and I hope that you can be like him. Joseph was the name of a Carpenter. He was the father of Jesus, who took the Baby Jesus into his family and heart, even though Jesus was not his own son. He was patient, persistent, and worked very hard. He is also the patron saint of China (among other countries) and he prays for families, fathers, travellers, immigrants, craftsmen, and working people in general. I think this name is very fitting for you.

Your Chinese name is Zhong Cai, given to you by the orphanage when they received you. It means Talent or Wise.

Since you are 8 years old, we decided that it was important for you to keep something with you from China when you came to live with us. And the only thing left was your name. And memories of a life that may fade as you get older, and as new memories push out the old. When you are old enough, you can decide what name you want to use. I know lots of boys who have used different names at different places in their lives and finally settle on one name when they have finished school and settled into work.

Names are important to Koreans. And so, I hope we have given you names that will help and support you in your life and your future.

We love you,

Mama