Nicknames

I had nicknames growing up. I have nicknames now...some of which are the same and most are some derivative of my first or last name. Where my dad grew up, though, EVERYONE had a nickname, it stuck with them for eternity, and it was almost always unusual. Not like "Davey" for David or "Suz" for Susan. I'm talking about things like "Rab" and "Fast Eddie." I can't remember all of them but I have lots of memories of listening to grandma, dad, and aunts and uncles talk for hours about people and use nary a single name. Just nicknames.

I think that's what small town life is all about. I like it.