I am fortunate that I married a man who knows the value of a name. For me, to name a child is to present them with a challenge: a life lived in honor of one’s namesake. Sometimes that is a Jiddo, but we also feel it is important for them to have a connection to a saint… or rather saints as the case may be. We found out we’re expecting another boy, so we have chosen St. Raphael of Brooklyn and St. Joseph of Damascus as his patrons.
(You can read about the life and martyrdom of St. Joseph here.
You can also read about the life of St. Raphael of Brooklyn here.)
Look at that nose! Maybe this will be my little Arab-looking child? I know there are people who enjoy the surprise of waiting to find out until the very end, but I find great comfort in already knowing whose prayers to ask on behalf of my child. As soon as we heard the stories of these two saints and their connection, we have felt particularly drawn to them.
So. I need now I need to think of what to call this little guy on my blog. I’m can’t go on calling him Sue now that I know. Ideas?
What if you called him Raphael or Joseph?
I guess my brain wasn’t with it when I wrote this post. I meant to ask for suggestions for an online nickname. My daughter is Sweet Pea, and my son is Mishmish, but I can’t think of one for New Boy.