My Aunt Medora (1915) after whom I was named

As I looked at a copy of Nyel’s death certificate before I sent it off in response to yet another bureaucratic request, the name “Muriel” popped out at me.  Yes, that was Nyel’s mother’s first name.  But it is NOT my middle name, though this “official” document said, officially, that it was.

No.  My middle name is Medora, after my mother’s oldest sister.  Ironically, another of my mother’s sisters was named Muriel (although we always called her Mona).  But I was not named for her.  And, truth to tell, I like the name Medora better,

My Aunt Muriel “Mona” (circa 1920) after whom I was NOT named

And as I continued to look at the document — very carefully, now — I saw that the” name of the surviving spouse” (that would be me) was Sydney Medora Little.  But wait!  That was my maiden name  Shouldn’t “surviving spouse” reflect my married name?  Apparently not.  I was told later that it is actually correct as is.  “They” do want your maiden name…  Go figure.

The ways of bureaucracy continue to confound me.  Thank goodness for the kindness of people along the way.  Like Eric Andersen, the new-ish owner of Pentilla’s Chapel by the Sea.  He is always reassuring, sympathetic, and willing to help this confused old lady — and probably every other person who becomes gobsmacked by the intracacies of the State’s requirements.  Or the County’s.  Or maybe the Nation’s.

I can’t help but wonder who will birddog the paperwork when it’s my turn to leave this mortal coil.  Fortunately, I doubt that I’ll be too conderned about it when the time comes…