To change or not to change
Most of you know me as Elaine Pons also known as Elaine Marie Pons, known in Puerto Rico as Elaine Marie Pons Licha. Elaine Marie Pons Licha was given to me by my parents some 29 years ago. It is the name used in my drivers license and my passport, as it is common for those of Hispanic descent to use our father's name and our mother's maiden name. Soon enough I must decide whether Elaine Marie Pons Licha or Elaine Pons (shortened for US) will continue to be my name. I have the beautiful choice of changing it to Elaine Marie Lynch. However, if anyone calls me Mrs. Lynch (which kids in our neighborhood have, and got sneered for) I probably will not respond. As Mrs. Lynch will always be Dave's mom to me.
In all of this I should be asking Dave what his opinion is, but right now that is not a factor as this is about me.
Pons Licha may not sound Puertorican, but it is the name I inherited there. Maybe I am afraid changing my name will make me less Puertorican, like anyone would know by looking at me. I know I will never leave my roots behind as I am proud to be from Puerto Rico and I will probably never forget my food, language and customs. But does changing your name really change you?
I think Elaine Lynch will probably be the suburbia mom, I may or may not be in the future. All the same considering it an honor to carry the Lynch name. Although I will remind myself that Lynch Castle in Galway, Ireland is now a bank. However, leaving behind the Pons Licha doesn't seem to be an easy decision. I guess soon enough we will know...
In all of this I should be asking Dave what his opinion is, but right now that is not a factor as this is about me.
Pons Licha may not sound Puertorican, but it is the name I inherited there. Maybe I am afraid changing my name will make me less Puertorican, like anyone would know by looking at me. I know I will never leave my roots behind as I am proud to be from Puerto Rico and I will probably never forget my food, language and customs. But does changing your name really change you?
I think Elaine Lynch will probably be the suburbia mom, I may or may not be in the future. All the same considering it an honor to carry the Lynch name. Although I will remind myself that Lynch Castle in Galway, Ireland is now a bank. However, leaving behind the Pons Licha doesn't seem to be an easy decision. I guess soon enough we will know...
posted by elaine at 1:22 PM
2 Comments:
It is tough, but you will make the right decision for you! I think taking Dave's name is a great gift for him - and will never change who you are or where you come from!
If it helps you any, I'm tacking Seth's last name onto mine. Can't bear to give up my middle and last names as it's who I have been for over 30 years. But I'm still old fashioned enough that I want to take his name, as well. So, Jennifer Lynne Phelps Cutler I will be! (And I'm planning to sign that Jennifer L.P. Cutler...so, two middles names essentially...)
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