My husband and I named our cat Bonnie because when we first saw her, I commented that she was a bonnie (beautiful) kitten. Many pets’ names are based on their appearance (Shorty) or their personality (Happy), for example. In many cultures, children are also named after a trait or physical characteristic. I was named Katherine (“pure”) Elizabeth (“God is my Oath”), which is a combination of my grandmothers’ middle names. On my last trip to Liberia, after explaining my responsibilities, I received my Kpelle name which means “powerful woman.”
We are often given nicknames. I’m called “Kathy Beth” for short, but in high school a schoolmate called me “Lurch.” I was never sure if it was because of the way I walked, or if I reminded him of a character in a TV show.
People sometimes form opinions of individuals based on their surname. Per my uncle, my paternal grandfather (a Macdonald) would not do business with a Campbell due to a massacre that took place in Scotland in the late 1600s!
Names matter. Before Dignity:Liberia even purchased the property for our maternity waiting home, we decided to name it “House of Hope and Dignity.” According to my dictionary, “hope” means “to long for with expectation of obtainment.” “Dignity” means “the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed.”
Many of the fistula survivors have told us about methods used by traditional tribal midwives to deliver a baby that are not only lacking dignity in their approach, but are dangerous to the health of the mother. It won’t be long before House of Hope and Dignity is providing care to expectant mothers. These women will be treated with dignity, and can anticipate having a safe delivery.
We are often given nicknames. I’m called “Kathy Beth” for short, but in high school a schoolmate called me “Lurch.” I was never sure if it was because of the way I walked, or if I reminded him of a character in a TV show.
People sometimes form opinions of individuals based on their surname. Per my uncle, my paternal grandfather (a Macdonald) would not do business with a Campbell due to a massacre that took place in Scotland in the late 1600s!
Names matter. Before Dignity:Liberia even purchased the property for our maternity waiting home, we decided to name it “House of Hope and Dignity.” According to my dictionary, “hope” means “to long for with expectation of obtainment.” “Dignity” means “the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed.”
Many of the fistula survivors have told us about methods used by traditional tribal midwives to deliver a baby that are not only lacking dignity in their approach, but are dangerous to the health of the mother. It won’t be long before House of Hope and Dignity is providing care to expectant mothers. These women will be treated with dignity, and can anticipate having a safe delivery.
 | Kathy Beth Stavinoha Kathy Beth graduated from high school in Monrovia, Liberia in 1977. She retired from St. Edward’s University in 2022 after 21+ years of service. She lives in Brenham, TX with her husband and cat. |
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