Best. Day. Ever.
Anita and I have been together for 12 years. During that time there has been quite a few discussions regarding our names. Since we can’t legally get married, should we keep our separate names? Should she take my name? Should I take hers? Should we create a unique name to start our new family with?
2 years ago, Anita’s beloved little brother (and my brother in law) Jody died. He was the only (close) family she knew and it hurt her more deeply than anyone can imagine. I realized that now, with Jody gone, the name “Wirawan”, meaning “hero”, the name her father had given her, was at risk of dying too. It was at that time I made my decision and told Anita.
I wanted to change my name. I wanted our children, and our children’s children to carry on the name that meant so much to her. I wanted her to keep her connection to her brother and to know that she still has a family, in me, and in our children.
So I sought out to change it. It took forever, I had to wait weeks while it was posted in the paper, anxious, excited, giddy. Then I went to court, explained to the judge my reason for wanting my new name (My wonderful wife Anita). And the judge approved it!
So now it is official.
My name is Jennifer Wirawan.
Tags: anita wirawan, family, jennifer wirawan, jody wirawan, life, marriage
I’m so excited for BOTH of you! Congratulations!!!
I am so happy for you two! I wish you a lifetime of joy together. :)
Thanks you two for your comments :) Made my day!
Jennifer Wirawan…the most beautiful name in the world for the most beautiful woman in the world. I love you so much Darling, this means the world to me!
[...] have thought it was weird though, that day was one of the most meaningful days in my life. Jennifer changing her last name to match mine meant the world to me. I felt so happy the day the judge approved the name change [...]
Hi Jennifer Wirawan. I just wrote to Anita. Just want to say that I am so glad the two of you found, and have, each other. I’m so happy for both of you that Anita’s name can live on.
I’ve, of course, no idea whether or not the two of you intend to adopt or to have a baby through IVF. If it’s the latter, perhaps I can answer some of your questions. I’m an RN, now on Permanent (“they” say; I don’t) Disability. I have lupus and a couple of degenerative spinal diseases. Anyway, this isn’t about me except to let you know that I did work for five years as a Nurse Manager in the OR and RR of a facility where we did IVF. It’s been eleven years since I worked there (after five years I decided to head back to the Delivery Room, where I’d started and which I LOVED). It was a good decision! But while I was there we did help several same-sex couples become pregnant, and I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have (if I can; if I don’t know an answer I’ll always be honest and let you know that I don’t know). You have my email so please feel free to take me up on that, if you want to!
When I wrote Anita, I had no idea this site existed. I imagine I’ll be spending a good amount of time here as well. I’m so glad I found both of you!
Okay, the clocks a’ ticking, and I have to get up in four and a half hours. (It’s 3:24 am my time, to be exact – it’s rare that I ever know what time it is!
My best to both of you -
Liz