My name is Tanner. There is nothing special about it. A simple name that becomes more common every single day. A name that seems to be liked by lots of people. But it just confuses me because to me it’s nothing special.

The original idea of the name Tanner was actually given by my mom's friend, Mary. She always said that if she had any kids that one of them would have been named Tanner. Later she actually decided that she didn’t want to have kids. This was when she gave the idea to my mom and dad. 

My parents immediately fell in love with it, and decided that this was gonna be the name of their third son. As soon as they heard it they knew that was the one.

I would have liked to know Mary. Why did she love the name Tanner so much? Why did she decide to give my mom the idea to name me this? I guess that is one thing I will never know. 

My name is like the color green. The color of leaves blowing on the trees. The color of the grass dancing on a windy day. Everywhere you look the color green is there.  It sounds like the birds calling early on a warm summer day. Calling their friends hoping for a good day.

It represents the number 5. A number that is very simple, but has much more meaning. A number that can mean something very calm or something very outgoing. A number that shows curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Tanner represents someone that is full of life. Someone who doesn’t take anything for granted. A person who is energetic and willing to do anything to get the most out of something. Like a dog when he is chasing down tennis balls launched into the bright green grass.

It also represents someone who is inspiring. Someone that does something that is going to be remembered for a long time. Someone like Jackie Robinson when he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Someone who will change the world and the ways they think about something. 

Tanner. A perfect name for me. A name that perfectly represents me and my personality. I wouldn’t change it for anything. Tanner will forever be a part of me, and will always be something that I will forever embrace.