Call Me Mike

For more than 20 years, I’ve waited patiently in line for my turn to receive communion from Father Ron at Holy Name of Mary in Ellicottville, N.Y. And for 20 years, when I get to the front of the line, he smiles, looks me in the eye and says, “The Body of Christ, Mike!”

I always smile, bow my head and receive communion. As soon as I get back to the pew, my kids always say, “Nice work Mike!”

I always respond, “I don’t know who this Mike is, but he’s must be a good-looking guy!”

And, with that warm-fuzzy in our hearts, we head off into the next day of skiing and fun in our family’s special place.

Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I’m not making fun of Father Ron. In fact, just the opposite, it’s great to be noticed and greeted warmly—regardless of the name you’re called.

I almost messed this up years ago.

When Father Ron first started calling me Mike, I was concerned—maybe even a little embarrassed for him and for me. So, I made a point of introducing myself after mass by my given name—Rodney.

As soon as I did it, I saw the confusion and pain in his eyes. He knew instantly something was not quite right, but couldn’t put it all together. The next Sunday when I met him at the front of the altar, he looked at me quizzically, stumbled over the words and inadvertently made me feel awful. Walking back to the pew that day, I realized my stupid pride had taken something that was really cool and crushed it—and even worse—had made somebody else self-conscious. Stupid.

I was so relieved when, after a couple of years of this awkwardness, the priest went back to calling me Mike. It’s like one day he just decided, “forget it. This guy is Mike whether he knows it or not.”

We haven’t looked back—and life has been great ever since.

I got to thinking about this story as I read through this month’s issue of Camp Business—and perused all the products and services available to you in our Buyer’s Guide. I couldn’t help but think how this issue was full of ideas you can use to make an even stronger connection with your campers and staff this summer—no matter what names you call them.

Good luck as you prepare for Summer 2016. I expect it will be awesome.

Till Next Month,

“Mike”