Sandler & Sandler.
When introducing himself, the typical response is:
“Chandler? Or Samuel?”
Like the kid, the name is quite unique and unexpected. I always follow the introduction with
“It’s Sandler; as in Adam Sandler...”
…Then the obvious question of if I named him after the actor is asked; the answer is yes.
When he was learning to talk, he thought his name was Adam Sandler. For a couple years, that is how he identified himself. He would inevitably approach whoever was in his path, force a friendly handshake, and command an exchange of titles. It was always entertaining to watch people who understood him react because he would not only say it with such conviction, but he appeared to be channeling the famous movie star himself. Upon most faces, a big smile would appear followed by a quick look around to see if they were being punk’d. Sometimes I would explain the name situation, but usually I would just enjoy the looks and laugh to myself thinking how strange the whole interaction was for the person on the receiving end.
Now that I think about it, naming him after a person—especially one I have never met but merely been a long time fan—is as risky as having a name tattooed on ones body. The person could turn out horrible and trying to change the name could be as tricky as covering up a poor choice in body ink. Fortunately, for Sandler’s and my sake, the comedian has continued to keep me as an enthusiast. Though I do not know him, I am pretty sure they [Sandler and Mr. Sandler] have a lot in common.
At the very least, I know they both share an incredible sense of humor and have the ability to make people smile and laugh. I am often asked to describe Sandler—whether it be on various medical documents, school forms, or anything that involves analyzing his diagnosis—and one of the first things I always mention is his sophisticated sense of humor. I spend just about every waking hour with the kid and it never ceases to amaze me how quick witted he is and how hard he can make me laugh.
As there is only one comedian Adam Sandler, there is only one skateboarding Sandler Chase. Though I prefer some of the celebrity’s material more than others, I have no regrets naming my son after someone I think shares a collective soul. Sandler’s sense of humor, amongst many other things—like being one of two people in the world with an unbalanced translocation of chromosomes two and eight (the other person being his sister, Bootsie)—sets him apart from much of the population. It is safe to say he has funny and unique covered.