I Don't Like Your Name!

by Jane
(Canada)

"I don't like your first name" was basically how my 6 year-old daughter made friends with the new neighbours' children, however not necessarily with the parents.

A young couple moved into the house beside us years ago, and because our yards were so close, my daughter and their little girl and little boy played together constantly. The little boy's name was Donald.

One day Donald and his sister came over, and at that time we had a huge black Lab. This dog could stand just about anything in terms of poking and prodding from youngsters, but on this particular day, he was sleeping and didn't appreciate Donald trying to hold his eyelids open.

I told him not to do this and to leave the dog alone, but Donald persisted. The inevitable happened, and the dog snarled and raised a paw to the child's face. He actually grazed the cheek, which left a red mark.

I knew we would have to take him home, and I would have to speak to the Mother. I felt terrible and was quite nervous because for some reason - from the beginning - the mother was actually not that friendly towards me.

Over we went ... the Mother came to the door, horrified that her son was crying, but quite puzzled and slightly irate as I apologized over and over again for what had happened to Donald.

All of a sudden, she snapped, "Who is Donald?"

My face went red, and I was quite at a loss for what to say. I looked rather helplessly at my 6 year-old daughter for something to say.

She very casually but very matter-of-factly stated, "Oh, his name is JOEL, Mommy, but I don't like that name! So I just call him "Donald."

All I can say is that I am grateful she at least approved of "Donald's" little sister's name!