Playing for Uncle Same Name

Jake has always been close to his cousin Isaac, so when he suggested that we name Riley after Ike, there was no doubt in my mind that that was the right name for our son: Riley Isaac.

The name Isaac means laughter; Ike has a distinctive, infectious laugh that always makes me smile. And Riley has always known where he got his name. We kiddingly call him, now, "Uncle Same Name."

Little did I know the similarities would continue. They are still both the only Manns who weighed more than 9 pounds at birth. And they both play the mandolin. Giant, odd-ball instrument strumming Manns with great laughs. Seriously.

When Jake was last in Coeur D'Alene, Isaac gave him a mandolin for Riley. It needed to be refinished and restrung and it sat that way in the garage for almost six months. Then when we were preparing for the family reunion Riley asked if Uncle Same Name was going to be there. Yes. "I need to play the mandolin for him."

So Riley and Jake worked on the mandolin together for several late nights. And despite some stumbles (Umm...did you look at the other mandolin before you strung this one? No. Maybe you should have.), it was ready to go. Riley toted that instrument all around the lake, playing for different folks, all the while looking for Isaac. Finally he found him. They plunked down on the grass and Riley played for Uncle Same Name. Finally.