The flip side of picking an English name

When my mother moved from her hometown of Chengdu, Sichuan province, to Auckland, New Zealand, in 2002 to start life afresh at the age of 38, she called it her "second birth".

She also chose for herself an English name: Jane, after the famous Jane Eyre in Charlotte Bronte's novel, whose strength and independence have inspired her for many years.

Mom grew into that name so naturally. She learned English at a local community college, made new friends and practically ran our household during my father's frequent trips away. When I think of Mom now, the image of Eyre often comes to mind.