August 1, 2018
At 8:41 a.m., I officially took my Father’s last name! One June 30, 2018, my Dad and my Aunty honored my daughter and I with Hawaiian and Tahitian names. It is difficult to fully explain the emotional experience of being part of such a beautiful naming ceremony (see Our Hawaiian Names post for more details) and to feel such an incredible sense of belonging.
My new legal name reflects both of my parents input. My Mother named me Teresa and so I have added this as my first middle name. My Father has honored me with his name – Kealohanui. The name means great love and first born. My Tahitian name is Tetuanui. I have changed my last name to reflect both his last name and my husband’s last name.
As my journey unfolds I continue to remain grateful for the many people I can call part of my family – either because of biology, love or both!
