I took my van for an oil change the other day.  Ted and I always go to the same oil change place with our vehicles.  The guys know us there and are always honest and friendly with us.  Ted drives a lot for his job and is in there quite frequently.  The last time he went in for an oil change he had his new(er) metallic blue Ford Escape and the guys all commented on how surprised they were that he finally bought something to replace his old vehicle.  (It was nearing 300,000 miles!)

So there I was with my aging vehicle.  My van runs just fine – no problems – and it is paid for.  Cosmetically, it is getting quite rusty around the edges.  I don’t care.  Paid for and dependable!  The guys commented on how “Gee, this ‘ole van is doing real well for you!”  Interpretation:  “You sure drive an awful-looking rusty old van.”  I laughed and explained how it didn’t matter to me and then I commented on how they had noticed Ted’s new ride.  “Who’s your husband?” they asked.  “What kind of car does he drive?”

Before I continue with my oil change saga, I want to remind you all that I am “Amanda’s Mom.”  That’s it.  That’s my name.  Amanda is so unique and noticeably different with being a tiny blonde adult in a wheelchair – and everyone recognizes her.  “Amanda!” they cry.   “Hey Amanda, remember me?” they query.  And then with a glance at me I hear, “Oh, and you must be Amanda’s Mom!”

<sigh>

So back to the oil change…

“My husband used to drive an old gray Ford Escape.” I told them.  “Oh yeah!” they cried.  Apparently they immediately knew who my husband was.  Then one of the guys commented, “Yeah – he’s the guy who is always … umm … like incredible … no he’s UNBELIEVABLE.”

Oh dear Lord.

If you don’t know Ted – quick story to bring you up to speed is that, when Ted is asked “Hi, how are you?” he ALWAYS answers, “Unbelievable!”

So the guys were all chirping about “Yeah … I know your husband … haha … Mr. Unbelievable … nice guy … yeah.”  And then they said, “So YOU are Mr. Unbelievable’s wife!”

(I should have said, “No, I’m Amanda’s Mom” but I didn’t.)

But now I’m Mr. Unbelievable’s Wife, too.

 I could have an identity crisis, but I won’t.  I’m okay. 

HE knows my name 🙂

But on that day down the road when I shall stand before the pearly gates – well – I hope they call my name twice in case I don’t answer the first time!  Who’s Laurel??

John 10:3 The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Just Mr. Unbelievable’s Wife
just Amanda’s Mom
just Laurel