So many Susans

[susandennis]

I just saw a note that Susan Eisenhower was going to be on The Colbert Report.  I always resented her - her name, actually.  I remember when I was in elementary school in the 50's and every 4th girl, it seemed, was named Susan.  And then I found out that the daughter of the president of the United States was named Susan.  It was just too much.  I wanted my own name.  I did not want to share with the world. 

I was a first child and the family story always went that they had two names picked out for a girl.  Linda and Susan.  Linda was nixed when I was born because that was their dog's name and they didn't want to get confused.  (Of course, the boy's name was to be a junior which my brother is...)

In every class there were a zillion Susans.  It was the Jennifer of the day.  The name I used in my imagination was Taylor and sometimes Tyler.  Still happy about those. 

These days, because I work with people who are at least a decade or more younger than I am, there are no Susans.  Finally.  I have my own name.  When I join a conference call, I only have to use my first name.  It still tickles me.

But, the name Susan Eisenhower still does not conjure up warm fuzzies for me.