WHAT'S YOUR NAME?????

WHAT’S YOUR NAME

by Fred M. Allen

As I sat down in the barber chair for a haircut, in Commerce, TX, I asked the barber, “What’s your name?” His answer surprised me. “I’m Duane Allen.” he said. I looked across the room and said to my sister, Martha, “Did you hear what he said his name was?” She said, “Yes, isn’t that unusual to meet someone with the same name as our young brother?” I then explained to the barber that our brother sings the lead with the Oak Ridge Boys of Nashville, TN, and he became very interested for he said, “Oh, I know of him and enjoy their music, but I don’t think we are related.” Remembering that my second cousins moved to that area many years ago, I asked if he was from that Allen family. He explained that he was born in California and lived there most of his life until recently when he moved to Texas. He proceeded then to cut both my hairs as we got to know each other quite well before we left.

Being an extrovert I find it very natural to meet new people. We now live in a large retirement community where hundreds of people live and where a large staff takes good care of all of us. Each time I see new people I want to know them and something about them for I know that everyone has a story to tell. Yes, I especially want to know their names. I keep a little pocket diary in which I write the name of each new person I meet in the hope that I can remember them the next time we meet. I often refer to my book until I can remember them.  

Everyone has a story is sometimes an understatement as I learn something of each person I meet. Many men are World War II vets who love to share their war stories. One man always sat alone in the dining room, so, as is my custom, when I see someone sitting alone, I go to join him or her. I found him to be a retired truck driver. When I showed an interest in what he did, he shared story after story about his experiences on the highway all those years. Then he said with a big smile, “And I never had an accident!” I asked if he had any hobbies and he said, “Yes, I collect old LP albums of music.” I said. “You’ve gotta be kidding; I collect those too and enjoy playing them frequently.” A lady shared how she went to college late in life to study drama and became an actress from which she retired after several years. Another resident was a pilot in WW II from which he retired after 30+ years; then, he built his own airplane!  A lady was sitting alone and I joined her to get to know her. She shared that her husband died 45 years ago, both her children and all her siblings had died and she was alone. I said, ”Do you mind if I give you a hug?” She said, “I’d love that; I haven’t had a hug in ages!” I hugged her and often sat by her to visit further. Recently I saw a man sitting alone and I finished my meal then joined him by asking. “What’s your name?” He told me and I asked him further questions only to find that he is now retired after serving several years as president of this retirement center! I thanked him for providing such a nice place for us to live. He smiled.

When my wife, Joy, and I were in orientation being trained for missionary work, a guest speaker said, “Do you know the names of the support staff members here at this camp? I don’t mean the leaders: I mean the cooks, waitresses, gardeners and cleaning staff. When you go to the mission field, don’t forget the little people; for most often they need your help and attention more than the leaders do.” I have never forgotten that.  

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My hobby is to play the piano in my simple style in the dining areas of the places where I have lived including at present. I know most of the support staff members in my area. Often when they see me they start singing “You Are My Sunshine” or “Amazing Grace” which I had played on the piano. One big custodian had a very nice singing voice. We often sang together some familiar hymns when I came across him at work.  We have a new cook. When I asked her name, she said, “Zee.” I said, “And where are you from?” She said “Iran.” I said, “Welcome to America!” She smiled.  When she brought my food she gave me a big hug which surprised me. She was so pleased that I showed an interest in her.  And my plate was piled with extras! Yes!

What’s your name? Someone has said something like “Angels are among us.” If we would take that seriously and get to know those angels, they are sure to become a blessing to us. And, just perhaps, we can be a blessing to them when we greet them by name. There was only one time in my life when I was not pleased to hear my name called, and that was when I was in the Army and was called for KP duty. (OK you young ones, KP stands for Kitchen Patrol, or dish washer). So if most people enjoy hearing their name called, let’s just do it! Of course, I tell people that if you can’t remember my name, just call me “HANDSOME!” Several do just that and smile and say, “Have a nice day, and please play the piano more often.” That made my day.