Thanks for your compassionate thoughts, dear Gerlinda.

Concerning the two names I have on Five Doves, it came about like this:  My birth name is Mariel.  My son told me to take a pseudonym when I went on line, with his help,
years ago, so I took the pseudonym Rowena (spelled with an E, as in Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe")  But there already was a "Rowena" on line with Earthlink, the service I used then, so I spelled it with an "I".  Rowina.  somehow my internet name became my tag here on John's site, and I don't know exactly how that happened, as computers are fearful monsters to me, unknown dragons!

"Rowina" was not only after a girl in Walter Scott's novel, whom I somehow associated with although I didn't give it a lot of thought, but even more particularly an association with a high school classmate, Rowena, who was also a ballet dancer throughout our school years.  Rowena and I were known primarily as dancers while we were in school, but we each went on to other things after high school.  I admired her because she was such a good dancer, and we both wore low "heels" to school instead of the "saddle shoes" and "loafers" other girls wore; we were already grown up, at least on the outside.

My name "Mariel" is a composite of my grandma's name, Mary plus Elliott.  It caused me some discomfort when I was in school, especially grade school, because neither kids nor teachers spelled or spoke it correctly.  I was many things:  Marilyn, Muriel, Mary, Marie, Maryellen, etc.  With me as an adult, it seems most people get it right now, but I hesitate every time I say it, just as I did when a child.  I have to say it loudly and clearly and spell it, but on the other hand, since I'm usually the only Mariel around, I can get away with using one name most of the time, like "Cher" does in the movies.

I like that idea that in Heaven our Father will give us a new name, because I have been uncomfortable with my monicker all of my life.  I am waiting for Him to change it, and it will be one of those Heavenly surprises.  We know so little of what Heaven will be like!  No use even trying to guess what it will be like.

You too must have wrestled with having a name, Gerlinda, which is little known where you are living now, although it might have been more common where you used to live.
I knew another Gerlinda, even though it is an unusual name.  She was a dentist's receptionist.

I don't have a preference which name I use.  I just let people call me whatever they wish.  As my husband said, "call me whatever you want as long as you call me to dinner."
(he came from a big family in rural Oregon and I suspect dinner must have been a competitive occasion).

I like Rowina, as it is a name from medieval Scotland in which, I found after I chose it, I have some roots which have become a prime research subject.
So it does not matter, Gerlinda, which name I am called.  Rowina here on Doves, Mariel in the 3-D world.  It could be retooled in Heaven, as our bodies and souls will be refreshed when He calls.