Why Jahju?

Why am I signing my Posts as Jahju? A reasonable question. The short answer is that my grandson needs a name to call me. It is "Jahju." When my son, Mike, and his wife, Lyn, asked what I wanted to be called by my newly born grandson, James, I initially responded, "Whatever you want. Grandpa?" This was not very helpful. Particularly whereas there is another grandfather for James. While both of us could be "Grandpa," it would be confusing for James. So I recalled that I had called my grandfather, Dziadek (JAH dek), which is Polish for grandfather. However, this did not seem to strike a responsive cord with James' parents. While visiting my daughter, Kim, in Cornish, NH, during Thanksgiving Weekend, my Uncle Joe and his wife Mary joined our gathering. As always, at our family events, one of the topics of discussion was our Polish Heritage. What to call me, the new grandfather, was an opportunity to learn about our legacy as well as arrive at a possible resolution to James' parents question. I stated that I had called my grandfather, Uncle Joe's father, Dziadek (JAH dek). My Uncle Joe, who speaks Polish, was surprised to learn this. He pointed out that Dziadek, in Polish, is a very formal and not very warm way of calling someone you consider so close. (I have since learned that Dziadek also means 'old man' and that most old men do not like being refered to in that way.) My Uncle Joe suggested "Dziadziu." Pronounced "JAH joo." It is considered a direct address or familiar, warm name. During Mike's family 2005 Christmas Season visit to Saco, the topic again arose as to what James should call me. Dziadek was again not well received. After thinking about it, I realized that at least part of the problem is that it is a difficult word for James to learn. Dziadziu, JAH joo, was mentioned as my Uncle Joe's suggestion. Everyone seemed to like it. So, it is to be Jahju. That is until James weighs in with his opinion, which will probably be different from everyone's idea. Then, again maybe his soon to arrive cousin or brother/sister(?) will make it something else.

.............and now it begins

Hi all,
Decided that we needed our own Blog. It should be easier that setting up a full Web Site and more fun than just sending each other e-mail. Because it can be accessed from anyplace one has access to the Internet, can be added to without use of e-mail. Just remember anyone with access can see and post. With all of the family news -- babies, new babies, moving, family re-unions, etc. -- thought this would be a helpfull way to communicate at least some of the news, comments, etc.

So lunch break today spent quickly setting up one. It is really easy.

Will be interesting to see how we all use it. I am going to adjust format from beginning cookie cutter pattern. Give me feedback.

We can post photos. So tonight I will be posting some of the photos from Nicole's and Mike's Christmas visits to Maine.

So what do you think?