Update

Thanks for all your comments on my last post, it was very encouraging and much appreciated while I was waiting for a reaction from my mother. I’ve been meaning to post an update since then but you know how times runs away sometimes so my apologies and here is the update.

I waited from Saturday lunchtime until Tuesday and had no response so I re-sent the email with a note asking if she’d received the first one. Her reply was a very pleasant surprise, she said she hadn’t received the first email but that whatever my name was she still loved me and she liked my new name. That was a huge relief and amazingly positive.

I (and my lovely wife) know for a fact she received the first email and I’m certain there were several conversations with family, friends and possibly even strangers on the street before she had been told enough times it was ok. But regardless of who or how many people told her to accept it the main thing is she listened. I was very surprised and felt empowered to move forward. I know it shouldn’t matter what she thinks but it does, it wouldn’t change anything but it makes it easier.

I’m gradually telling other people about my name change and have had some very positive responses. It’s an interesting process. I emailed everyone in my office last week, since then I’ve had a mixture of my old name and new name which is quite funny at times. But I know everyone is trying and I’m very happy about that. I love hearing my name said out loud, it still has an element of surprise for me because I’m not used to it yet but it does feel fantastic.