Chapter 23 - Lily’s name
Lily’s legal surname remained Mercer.
I never asked her to change it.
Relatives did.
Of course.
Uncle Douglas said:
“She’s a Cole.”
“So?”
“Her name.”
“Is Mercer.”
“You’re going to allow that?”
Allow.
The family’s favorite verb.
I said:
“She has had that name her entire life.”
“Doesn’t bother you?”
“No.”
That was partly a lie at first.
A small part of me wanted:
Lily Cole.
Proof.
Recognition.
My father’s disease wearing a nicer suit.
I recognized it.
Let it go.
When Lily was six, she asked:
“Why my name different Daddy?”
“Because your mom gave you her name when you were born.”
“Can I have Cole?”
“If you ever want to discuss changing or adding names, we can.”
She thought.
“Mercer easier write.”
Decision postponed on handwriting efficiency.
Perfect.
At seven she decided she wanted:
Lily Mercer Cole
for a school family tree.
Not legal.
Just worksheet.
Grace looked at me.
I said nothing.
Lily wrote it.
Then crossed out Cole because she ran out of space.
May you like
Family identity survived.
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