The Name Game - Who's Her Favorite?

I think it’s safe to say that most of us who have a brother or sister have been summoned by our parents by the name of the other sibling. When that occurs a sibling may chuckle and jest that this is proof as to who Mom's favorite child is.

Of course Mom would say that she loves us equally and has no favorite. But, I beg to differ. Throughout each and every day, I here, “Renee!”, the name of my darling sister. “Renee, come here please.” or “Renee, I need help with my TV.” or, “Thank you, Renee!” Mostly, I just smile graciously and carry out her request, but a time comes when I just can't take it anymore. 

The thing that gets my goat the most is when my own birth mother completely forgets that joyous day when she gave birth to me and I received my rightful place in the family as the adored first born daughter,  endearingly named "Marie".  It's a name unlike any other name. A name to be proud of. It speaks gently and softly of the one who possesses it. It is lovely, warm, and kind.  It is wonderful!  How could anyone forget it or trade it in for any other name. My Mom could, and actually did!

Somehow after the passing of six decades she decides to suddenly and overtly adjust the system of nomenclature and change my first name! And not to a name of someone of note and distinction. No, that would be too kind. But to a name from second place. One which  to my chagrin seems to more easily flow from her two lips--- the name of the "pretty one" as Mom too often says--- "Renee!" "Hey Renee, did you find my teeth?"

Today I refuse to answer to Renee. As her hardworking caregiving firstborn daughter, she will learn to call me by my given name. She will call me Marie! 

A few minutes later, after a brief moment of silence I ask, "Hey mom, did Renee find your teeth? "Well, let's just wait for Renee (who happens to live in another state by the way) to show up and find those missing teeth of yours, shall we? And while she's at it, she can answer all those other questions you've asked her today!" She then laughs. I unexpectedly chuckle and snicker, wondering if this could be what I think it is? A brief moment of recognition of my actual name after an entire week of conversation addressed to Renee? If so..., I think I'll take it.