Dear Natalie,
I recall, as a kid, finding a copy of the “Let’s Name the Baby” book and looking through it. I hated the name “Warren” at the time – it felt so uncool, and I truly would have preferred to go by my middle name of Nicholas. I don’t know that I ever vocalized that to our parents, but I do recall mummy telling me that I had been named after the actor Warren Beatty, something she said in a way that made me think I should feel some connection and pride about. Perhaps…but at the time, it was still a name that sounded like it was for a grown-up.
But for you, she said you had been named after the actress Natalie Wood. And when I asked her about this person, her mood shifted.
Like Warren Beatty, Natalie Wood was a famous actress and would have been a few years older than our mum. Her career started at the young age of four, starring in many films, including Miracle on 34th Street, which was a holiday favourite that I’m sure our parents may have watched with you. I think the only film that I recall watching with her was Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean and Sal Mineo. Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty starred in films together and dated at one point. Weird connection for naming your kids.
When telling me that you had been named after Natalie Wood, mummy let me know that Natalie Wood had already died. And while I certainly didn’t have the wherewithal to ask questions, I immediately made the ominous connection that the person you were named after was also dead. She died under tragic circumstances in 1981, five years after your death. I have continuously reflected on the parallel of our parents naming their children after two celebrities, and on the fact that your namesake died prematurely, just like you. What are the odds? And I wonder if our parents made that link after your passing?
I’ve found it hard to look back at items that involved Natalie Wood because of this connection that I’ve made with you, and quite frankly because there are few photographs that remind me of our mother’s look. But, in looking at items to write to you, I’ve found an additional parallel that is worth mentioning – both our mother and Natalie Wood had their first-born child in 1974, both daughters. And both Natalie Wood and our mother died at the age of 43.
Warren Beatty is still alive.
In doing additional research, your first name means “birthday” or “birth of the Lord,” while my first name has a meaning connected to “guardian” or “protector.” Your middle name of Sianmarie means “wished-for-child,” while mine of Nicholas means “victory of the people.”
I love the connection of yours as the wished-for-child, and I certainly wish I could have known where the idea for your middle name came from (as well as mine, quite frankly). But, guaranteed, I will keep ‘protecting’ your memory and theirs by sharing as many stories as I can learn.
Keep shining, sweet girl.
Nick :)