Traditions have a place, but ultimately each of us have to decide how we want to live. It’s not been easy trying to decide whether or not to take Nick’s last name because I feel much of my identity is tied to my name. I’ve always been Esther Brady. And I feel like I’ve fought hard to be embraced as a Brady. Long story – but it’s how I feel. Plus, it’s one of the few ways I can still feel connected to my dad on a daily basis… so giving that up completely simply because it’s a societal tradition just doesn’t sit right.