Struggling Father Battles Bureaucracy to Change Daughter’s Unique Name
When Jason Kilburn discovered his toddler daughter’s birth certificate, he was stunned to find that she was legally named “Unakite Thirteen Hotel” due to a bureaucratic error. This peculiar name, generated by a computer, was intended to be temporary after the child was surrendered by her mother. However, two years later, the nonsensical name still persisted, leaving Mr. Kilburn on a mission to rectify the situation.
A Tale of Unfortunate Circumstances
Mr. Kilburn, a 49-year-old resident of Valley, Nebraska, found himself in a complex situation over two years ago when he learned that a woman he had dated had given birth to a daughter who might be his. The baby, born on November 5, 2022, at a home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, was in a precarious situation. The mother, grappling with homelessness and drug abuse, was unable to care for her child, leading a friend to arrange for the newborn to be taken to a nearby hospital.
It was at the hospital that the infant was assigned the name “Unakite Thirteen Hotel,” a name that Mr. Kilburn’s lawyer, Joshua Livingston, revealed was randomly generated by a computer. The child remained in the custody of state authorities until Mr. Kilburn was confirmed as her biological father and granted custody. Thus began a frustrating and protracted battle with government agencies to rectify the naming mishap and obtain the necessary identification documents for his daughter, whom he affectionately calls Caroline.
A Father’s Determination
“This has been a long, difficult process,” Mr. Kilburn expressed in a text message conveyed by his lawyer. “I will keep working as hard as I can to get my daughter the documents she needs.” The ordeal has left Mr. Kilburn navigating a bureaucratic maze, seeking to correct the error that has inadvertently labeled his daughter with an unusual and impersonal name.
As the battle continues, Mr. Kilburn’s unwavering determination to provide his daughter with a proper name and identity underscores the lengths to which a parent would go to ensure their child’s well-being. The emotional toll of the situation, coupled with the bureaucratic red tape, highlights the challenges faced by individuals navigating complex government systems in pursuit of a basic necessity—identity.
Each day that passes without a resolution serves as a reminder of the resilience and commitment of a father who is determined to give his daughter a name that reflects her true identity and heritage. The story of Unakite Thirteen Hotel, or rather Caroline, is a poignant reflection of the human struggle against impersonal systems, showcasing the enduring bond between a father and his child.
As Mr. Kilburn’s battle for his daughter’s identity continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and perseverance in the face of bureaucratic obstacles. The journey to reclaim Caroline’s rightful name is a testament to the enduring spirit of a father’s love and the lengths to which he will go to ensure his daughter’s place in the world.
