Hey love, you wont believe the drama Ive just heard about my friend Helen Clarke. She gave birth five days ago a scheduled Csection and finally got to meet her little one, a baby girl theyve been waiting for forever. They named her Blythe, just the name Helen had dreamed of ever since they found out they were finally expecting after three early miscarriages.
Helen and her husband Alex have been married seven years. When they thought theyd never have a child, Helen suddenly got pregnant again in her third month. One night she dreamed that her late mother was sitting with her on a playground, watching kids in the sandpit. Her mum gently patted her head and whispered, Soon Blythe will be born and fill your life with love and hope. Helen woke up convinced the name had to be Blythe, and Alex said, If the surname and middle name are mine, you can pick whatever you want for the first name.
After the operation Helen was still feeling weak, so she asked Alex to sort out the paperwork for their newborn. He headed off to the register office with all the forms, thinking itd be a quick trip. Little did he know what was waiting for them.
Alex came back with his mother, Margaret, whos always been a bit of a thorn in Helens side. Helen was still recovering, so she tried to hide her irritation and greeted Margaret politely. When Alex handed Helen the birth certificate, her heart stopped. The official document said the babys name was Mabel, not Blythe. Helens legs went numb, her hands shook, and she had to doublecheck the paper because she couldnt believe it. It was written in black ink, plain as day: Mabel.
She turned to Alex, eyes welling up, and asked, Mabel? Whats going on? Did you let someone change our babys name? Alex, trying to stay calm, shouted, Bring her a glass of water, shes going to faint! Margaret, looking a little annoyed, said coolly, Nothing unusual happened, dear. Alex ran off, fetched a glass of cold water, and handed it to Helen, who was now in full shock.
Is this your doing? Helen screamed, still in disbelief. Did you make Alex change our daughters name? Who do you think you are? I gave birth to Blythe, not Mabel! Only I can name her! She was furious.
Margaret tried to smooth things over. Dont make a drama of it. I was just keeping our family tradition alive. Ive told Alex before that we name girls after grandmothers and greatgrandmothers. My own grandmother was called Mabel a respectable lady who lived an honest life. You should be proud that your daughter carries that name forward. Shell grow up strong and brave, just like her namesake.
Helen snapped back, My childs destiny is hers alone. You cant drag a dead relative into this. What you did is monstrous! I sent Alex to the register office, not you. How could he sign anything without my sayso? Remember this forever: shes Blythe, not Mabel. Im going to the register office right now and fixing this.
She took her newborn with her, refusing to leave the baby with Alex or Margaret. At the Childrens Services office, Helen explained everything and demanded the name be corrected. They told her theyd need both parents consent.
Helen went home, feeling crushed. Alex was there, looking guilty. He tried to hug her, but she pushed him away and said, Changing our daughters name requires both our agreements. If you side with your mother, Ill never spend another day with you. Shes Blythe, not Mabel. Your mums meddling is tearing our family apart. Think about who matters most to you. She went on about how her own aunt, also called Mabel, had been teased at school with cruel jokes, and how she wouldnt let anyone dictate her childs future.
Alex, eyes downcast, whispered, Im sorry, Helen. I was stupid. My mum threatened to cut me off from her inheritance if I didnt name her Mabel. Lets fix this tomorrow, together, and submit the proper forms.
In the end, Helen got her way. The name was officially changed back to Blythe, and Margaret never saw the little girl again. Helen and Alex eventually split up a year later. She realized Alex would never outgrow being his mothers boy, and she needed a solid partner who could protect her and her child, not a basketcase son forever dancing to his mothers tune.