What's In A Name

Jackson McAllister ("Mac") Shapard, born March 16, 2011

You are a cutie, that's for sure! Your parents, Tommy and Rachel Shapard, are thrilled that you are here and are sending us lots of pictures so we can see you today, the day you were born. We can't wait to see you in person and hold you. Big brother Drew (age 5) and big sister Kate (age 18 months) can't wait for you to come home in a few days.

Your daddy and mommy named you for a very specific reason. You are going to be called Mac so I hope you like your name. Your first name was chosen because you were born in Jacksonville, FL. You haven't met the family beagle yet, but his name is Raleigh because your daddy was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. I think I sense a trend here. Good thing Drew wasn't named Lubbock!

Your middle name is my maiden name. I tried to talk your daddy out of using it because it's too difficult to pronounce and to spell. Why not give you a common, simple middle name I argued to no avail. You might have been called Jack but we already have a Jack Shapard in the family - your cousin in Fort Worth. The more I tried to talk your daddy out of using McAllister, the more he persisted. "Everyone likes the name Mac, Mom!" he said.

Then your daddy told me why the name McAllister meant so much to him. My mother, Helen Dorothea Potter McAllister, was the only grandparent your daddy knew. His other grandparents died before he was born. Grandma Mac (that's how she/we spelled her name) was very special in your daddy's life, as she was in the lives of all of her grandchildren. My dad was known as Grandpa Mac, and my dad's parents were known as Grandpa and Grandma Mac also.

There is a good strong family behind you, Mac. When you are a little older, we will be showing you pictures of the McAllister family so you will know a little more about your heritage. There are some funny stories to tell too!

Welcome to the family, Mac! You are loved!