Dorothy Ella

Dorothy- meaning, Gift of God

This past summer the whole family did a road trip to Billings for a wedding.  We decided to take the scenic route through Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park.  It WAS beautiful and it was fun to take the kids to see some of God's most beautiful creations!

While on our drive Peter and I were talking about our family, our kids, and our children to come.  We talked about my mom's family and their family trips that they would take to Yellowstone as young children.

My mom comes from a family of 4.  She is the oldest, then Dorothy, then her 2 brothers, Tom and John.  They were all very close in age.  My mom and her sister being only 1 year apart.  They were best friends.  My mom often tells me about how shy she was, and she really depended on Dorothy to help her make friends, and to be her friend.  Dorothy was BEAUTIFUL, with DARK curly hair, and a sweet, spunky personality it match.

On one of their family trips to Yellowstone, Dorothy was bit by a mosquito and contracted Encephalitis.  It causes high fevers, and swelling in the brain. This is something that is fairly easily remedied these days,.. but back then at the young age of 9 years old, this destroyed poor little Dorothy and left her unable to walk, talk, or feed herself. She spent the next 31 years in nursing homes being taken care of because she needed so much medical attention.  She was the delight of every nurse that worked with her.  They all loved her very much.  Through all she endured in her life, she was still so happy and smiling.  She passed away at the age of 40, when I was just 2 years old.  I had the chance to meet her once, but I obviously don't remember her, in her physical state, at all.

I may not remember her while she was here,.. but I do KNOW that Dorothy is with me often.  I FEEL her with me all the time.  I have never known why, but I can tell you that the vail is very thin, when you want it or need it to be.

When I was telling Peter about Dorothy and about my relationship with her, through tears, we talked about naming our next daughter after her, and after my mom.  I wasn't so sure about the name, but Peter really loved it and I eventually warmed up to it all.  Credit goes to him, really. Ella is my mom's middle name.  I can't think of a better way to honor her, and honor my mom.

This pregnancy has been very difficult on me, to say the least.  It's been my hardest pregnancy, by a LONG shot.  I am 19 weeks this week.  I have never felt ANY of my kids before 22 weeks,.. but this little feisty girl has been kickin' away for about 4 weeks,.. VERY distinct movement!!  Peter felt her move about 2 weeks ago,... HE hasn't felt our kids move until about 25 weeks.  She is a mover and a groover,.. needless to say,.. we've got a strong kid on our hands here!!

On our way home from our ultrasound, I was driving alone, thinking about this baby girl and how grateful I am to be a mother and wife, and have all these amazing blessings that most days I don't know how I managed to deserve them all, and in that moment I could feel Dorothy with me, and as I felt my daughter move, and felt of my Aunt's presence, an overwhelming amount of joy and gratitude enveloped me.  Of course thoughts then moved to my sweet niece Norah.  Norah was still born last September.  She was perfect and beautiful, and little Dot and Norah would have been best friend cousins, in the same grade, dance together, school plays together, and so much more.  The loss of Norah is hard, and real.  But we will always know she is there with Dot.

My Dorothy will have amazing people on the other side of the veil, pushing her to do amazing things.  Her cousin will be remembered in all that she does, and her Aunt will be there by her side, just as she is by mine.  I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to feel of her presence from time to time.  I am grateful for eternal families.  Dorothy and Norah have solidified that testimony in me even more so, and I am grateful everyday that my little family can be apart of that blessing.

Will will call our Dorothy, Dot,..maybe Dotty,.. but she is going to be CUTE, and sassy, and I'm still praying ONE of my kids will get Peter's amazing curly hair,.... Fingers crossed!!