I suppose with the last name of “Dove” there are always a lot of “bird analogies” that tend to go along with the name.  Being a “Dove”, people just naturally assume that we are a peaceful lot (an olive twig tucked safely away somewhere on our person), or they joke we live in a nest rather than in a house.  We “coo” rather than talk normally.  We fly away rather than run.  Truly I’ve heard them all.  A friend brought the whole bird analogy to a whole new low when he said, “How can you (Doves) fly like eagles, when you’re surrounded by turkeys!”  I’m sure he was jokingly maligning all doves, eagles and turkeys everywhere in one fell swoop (get it?)

Anyway, I have embraced the name I married into and now have adopted it as my own.  I have collections of  Dove figurines all around my home.  I decided to use my married name rather than use my maiden name or a pen name when I wrote and published my books, The Wounded Trilogy.  I love my last name!  I took on the name nearly 36 years ago when Charles and I were married so when you think about it I have been a “Dove” a lot longer than I was ever a “Jorgensen” (which is my maiden name).  There is a rich heritage that goes along with both the Dove and Jorgensen names but for now I’ll comment on the Doves.

My sister-in-law has been working on an ancestry search of all the Doves in the family, and she has discovered a rich history in the Dove name.  The book, “Building in the Blood – The Story of Dove Brothers of Islington 1781-1981” by David Braithwaite (Godfrey Cave Associates Limited, London, 1981), tells the story of a family of builders who, “responding to particular needs enjoyed success in boom years and depressions alike, survived two world wars and today continue their unique role in an industry both transformed and transforming.”  It is thought that my husband’s family is descended from one of these early Doves named in that book who, not surprisingly spent much of their lives building churches to God’s glory.  (It should be noted that MY husband Charles, has been involved in two church building projects since we have been married so it must be in his blood!)

My father-in-law, Charles Dixon Dove lived in Speers, Saskatchewan most of his young life.  His father (William D. Dove) came to Canada in 1907 when his parents (Benjamin D. and Anne Mary Dove) moved from Guernsey (one of the Channel Islands in England) and settled on a homestead northeast of Speers.*   We have pictures of Benjamin and Anne, antique photos in antique frames, hanging in our diningroom.  Benjamin appears to be a jovial man, with a classic moustache and a twinkle in his eye that hints of mischief.  Anne, on the other hand, is serious and a little surly looking in her picture.  My husband winks at me that he occasionally likes to go past her picture and crack a joke to see if he can get any kind of a reaction from her…he has definitely inherited Benjamin’s twinkle and mischief!  It is likely that Benjamin is related to one of those Doves mentioned in the Braithwaite book and it is no wonder that most of those Doves then and the Doves of today carry the given or middle names of William, Charles, Spencer, Edward, and/or Dixon that seem to be the most common names of boys in this Dove line.  My father in law, named Charles Dixon Dove, MY husband, Charles William Edward Dove, our nephew is named Spencer, and our son is named Brett Charles.  The given names indicate the legacy that defines us as a family and acknowledges the history behind the last name “Dove”.  *”Along the Carlton Trail – A History of Speers” Published by the Ottawa-Speers History Book Committee (p.123)

My son, Brett, shares his birthday with his great Grandfather, William D. who was born on November 22, 1894.  In God’s plan, Brett was born to be adopted into the Dove family 98 years later.  Brett carries on the Dove name and along with it he embraces the legacy and history behind the name.  Brett, has embraced the Dove name but has defined it in his own personal way as well.  God has a specific plan and purpose in mind for Brett, just like all the Dove men before him, Brett’s life is grounded in faith.

It is perhaps a parent’s greatest happiness and greatest sadness at the same time to “let go” of their children.  When it comes to my son and my two girls, bird analogies seem appropriate.  They have each taken wing and are flying high.  Too much?  I’ll let the bird analogies go… for now.

Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], and by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  Proverbs 24:3-4