My parents had a very difficult time getting pregnant with me, the second child, after my brother. My parents had been trying for two years and were doing hormonal shots to help with fertility.  

The shots were painful and on the very last set of shots they were willing to try. My mom got pregnant with me. Once pregnant, there was the fun debate about what I was to be named.

My parents decided they did not want to know if I were a boy or a girl. Leading to my parents picking out a boy’s and a girl’s name.

A name can mean many things and can change the trajectory of one's life. My parents did not take the job lightly. My parents named my brother Todd, leading to the alliteration of Todd Tobol.

My mom stands behind it to this day that it was important to her that her kids have a strong and powerful name and a fun nickname. For my parents, a boy’s name instantly fell into their lap to show love to a family friend. 

My parents were leaning towards Thomas or Terry. With the nicknames of Tommy or Ter. The issue was which of my parents' friends I would be named after if I were a boy. My dad’s best friend from high school or my mom’s close friend.

The conflict arose with deciding a name for a girl. I come from a family of strong, independent women.

A line of women named Muriel, Barbara, Janet, Lauranna, Stephine, Christina, and Mary would all eventually lead to me, not that my parents knew that at the time.