The story I got from my parents is that they did not know what to name me. They did not want to name me after any relative or friend. My older brother was named after my father, and they said that they found out after a period of time the same name in the family can be confusing.

I was born after the beginning of World War Two, a time when the world was engulfed in turmoil and uncertainty, and my parents told me they could not think of a good name for their child amidst the chaos. In their search for inspiration, they decided to explore the list of men being drafted into the military, hoping to find a name that resonated with them. Apparently, during that period, the draftees’ names were printed in local newspapers as a matter of public record, creating a tangible connection between the community and those who were being called to serve. As they scanned the page, they came across the name of Thomas Lee, a name that struck a chord with them both; they liked it instantly, and without hesitation, they settled on it. Thus, here I am today, carrying a name with a history I know little about. I do not have a clue what his last name was or anything else about Thomas Lee, though the mystery surrounding him only adds to my curiosity. All I know is that he hailed from the Denver metro area, a place rich with stories and legacies, linking me, in some way, to a past that remains just out of reach.

Daily writing prompt

Where did your name come from?

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