In Hebrew my name means pleasantness. In Spanish, it means “my sweetness”. A pastel color.  A short name is very commonly used but pronounced differently. Like the number five. Simple but unchangeable. An uncomplicated name with very high expectations chosen by  Wendy and Douglas. It’s a very short story that I always heard as I was a little girl.

It was Ruth's mother-in-law's name but now it’s my name. Grateful, positive,  but sometimes a bitter woman but just like me.   Noemi means loss. During her time of suffering, she wanted to change her name to Mara, but unlike her, I would never want to change my name.

 Noemi, like the sunset, warm and predictable, creating multiple colors that cover the sky. Yet similar to the night with only the moon and stars to keep it bright. My short name is vaguely used at home because others prefer to call me “Marina”.  Such an odd nickname I always say, Why not just call me by my first name. In English,  my nickname means “from the sea”  which would be very ironic if I didn’t like the sea. Like the color blue, peace and chaos are my names. Both are very different but they are a part of who I am.