Page 14 - Publishing Inspiration Christmas Card 2013

How Not To Name A Baby

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Kevin hung around my desk after class was over,

and I could tell he wanted to visit. When I turned to him
to see if he had any questions, he said he would like to
talk privately. Usually, this means a student is concerned
about their grade, but he was a good student, so I was
sure it must be something else.
As soon as I had gathered up my papers, we walked

together to my office. Once there, he sat down, seeming
nervous about what he had to say. I just waited, and
finally he spoke.
“Professor Howard, I know you have a big family,

and I am hoping you can give me some advice.”
I was only slightly surprised by his statement,
because I have had students ask for personal advice
before. I told him I would do what I could.
“I think I told you that my wife and I are expecting
our first baby,” he said. “Well, we are having a

problem.”
“Is she having some complications?” I asked.
“Oh, no,” he replied. “Nothing like that. It’s just
that she wants to name the baby Katy, and I can’t stand

that name. I have tried and tried to tell her. I hinted at
first. Then I brought it up in casual conversation.
Finally, I told her outright that I didn’t want to name the
baby that. She is still insistent that will be her name.
This disagreement is really starting to strain our

marriage.”
“What can I do to help?” I asked.

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