#truth
So, it’s pronounced Laray. But in the words of my creative and bold mother, “I made up the name, so I spelled it the way I wanted to.” LOL! There is more to that story of course.
My dad’s name was Larry (to be honest, it’s still surreal, and a bit difficult to type the word was). My dad was not just one of the greatest father’s in the world (seriously, I would have put him up against any guy), but he was truly one of the greatest men I ever knew. Kind. Honest. Caring. Funny. Handsome. Wise. Humble. Strong. Protective. Loving. Counselor. Friend. Daddy. Yup, I sure did call my father “Daddy” as an adult (#notashamed :) I know you’re probably like “umm does she think her father was Jesus cause that just sounds too perfect”. No person is perfect, but when I tell you I had it really good, I say that without hesitation. I don’t think you need convincing, so no need to provide proof of his “awesome Daddy” status, but what’s the harm in bragging a little bit?! :)
My parents didn’t have boys-just me and my older sister. But, there was a moment when they thought Larry Jr. would be making an entrance into the world. On my original birth certificate you can see “baby boy” written on the back! Drum roll...just kidding, it’s a girl! And then there was me. Courtney Lary Walton (based on how much I look like my dad, I would say I am still very much a Larry Jr.). Though all hopes and dreams of a star NFL player son were crushed, there was the equally as satisfying excitement of getting to use all of my sister’s clothes (raise the roof for hand-me-downs) LOL!
But, Daddy would not let my non-NFL player status affect our bond in the least. One, I turned out to be the daughter who actually enjoyed football...watching it, and cheering at the games. That made Sundays really fun! But what was definitely more significant to me was the fact that my dad became interested in what interested me. He would actually come to games to watch me cheer and would offer up constructive feedback on the car ride home. “You did good, and I think you can jump higher than that. You have it in you!” LOL! What in the world?! He was seriously invested in my form, energy and execution on the sidelines. Priceless. He also made sure he made it to my volleyball games as often as he could. “Come on baby girl!” would be what I heard as my 5 foot 2 inch self attempted to make moves on the court. It was just the best. Prom date cancels? No problem. Daddy took pictures with me, and we posed like we (I mean me) were “Straight Outta...Cincinnati....or Indian Springs haha!
And so, now you have a little backstory to the name, and the man behind the reason for the name. Gotta give a shout out to my Momma, Angela, as the woman behind the spelling of the name. Without her creativity this wouldn’t even be a thing! She’s the best! Thanks Momma! :)
To this day, close friends of mine actually refer to me as, “Lil Larry”, or “Courtney Lary” and I love it! I love that it’s the kind of name that sort of begs for explanation upon seeing it. So, if you ever happen to mispronounce it, there will be no offense taken. I am my father’s daughter, with my father’s name. And that was a long answer LOL!!