Violet & Gray: May 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Ada's name was chosen from a character out of Frazier's "Cold Mountain" which Sam and I read while living in Tennessee. We saved the name and knew when we saw her image on the ultra-sound that her name would be Ada.

Everyone says, "oh, my great-aunt" or "grandma's" name was Ada, "and I loved her!" It's been wonderful getting responses from people who have such fond memories of the Ada in their life.

Sam and I have since learned that my step-dad had a beloved Ada in his family, and that Grandma Laurie Schwartz has an aunt named Ada.

Thanks to Grandma Schwartz for connecting me with Ada Wolf (only a few years older than G. Schwartz), who shared much of her life with me by letter obviously scented with perfume. At 86, she lives in Monticello, Iowa. Originally born in Colville, Washington Ada W. is the youngest of 14 siblings, and is the last one living.

Ada W. lived in various places in Washington until she married George Wolf at 20. They had 2 boys and 2 girls and lived in Monticello where Ada worked as a secretary for the local school district. Ada W. shared much more about her life which I'm not necessarily comfortable sharing online, but she experienced many losses and joys in her life as many of us do.

She believes she was named in memory of an Ada in her mom's family who died prematurely; one who I am sure was thought of fondly, like most Ada's I find are.

So, here is to the many adored and loved Ada's out there - and particularly to Ada Violet who celebrated her 2nd birthday today with many who adore and love her as well.

Happy Birthday, Ada V.