My name, Justin. It comes from Latin meanings like “just”, “fair”, and “righteous”. It makes me think of the color blue. Blue often represents fair and just things. It’s the color of good, the pureness of an ocean.

Although both of my parents liked the name Justin, they did not have a meaning or reason behind it. But when I think of my name I recall a framed poem that my grandma gave me when I was young: 

Fair, righteous Justin,

You’re cautious and caring,

Honest and sensible—

The kind of a person,

Who's quite indispensable.

Face problems straight on,

Use your powers of persuasion.

And you’ll come out ahead,

On most every occasion.

That’s Justin. I see some of the traits listed here, like honesty and sensibleness, as strong, positive values that should apply to everything I do in life.

My middle name, Charles, has a lot more meaning. My Grandpa's middle name was Charles. He died of a heart attack when my mom was still in high school. I know that he was a kind and caring man. He would always want to help others in whatever way he could and do the right thing. I feel like I have similar characteristics.

From what I have heard, I know he liked to tinker. He was very knowledgeable about computers. He ran a store where he sold various computer parts. My mom has told me about how she would go to his shop on weekends and help him sort all of his parts. His store was known to have any and every computer part somebody could possibly want. How I would love the opportunity to see his store. In my room, I have a small, clear, display box. In it are several computer parts and chips that were left in his store's inventory when the store closed after his death. They are clearly labeled— but never found their buyer.

Giving me her father's middle name made my mom feel closer to her father. Her father lost too young. Her father, who didn't get to watch his daughter graduate high school. Her father, who didn’t get to hold me. It makes me feel more connected to him. The grandfather I never met, the grandfather who never got the chance to meet his grandchildren, the grandfather who is not at a chair around the table when the family gets together—but is always present through my middle name. 

My first name, Justin, fits my traits and personality. Charles, my middle name, will help my grandfather’s presence to live on. Both fit me equally well. Justin and Charles are both the right names for me.