As I noted in a previous post, we arrived at the decision to pursue IUI fertility treatments (ultimately resulting in pregnancy) through a process of careful consideration and prayer. During that time, we also counseled with the man who was then the head of our church congregation, our bishop. He listened to our worries, provided us with encouragement and advice, and prayed for us every day. His name is John Dustan.
During his lengthy commute into Ottawa from a small town called Moorewood, he would pray for us and many other members of congregation. Also, on 2 or 3 occasions, we sat down together and he pronounced specific blessings upon us. In one such blessing, in April 2006, he promised me that I would soon be a father. As we were considering adoption, it was comforting to hear that, one way or another, we would eventually have a family of our own. Four months later, R got pregnant. After so many years and so many prayers, we considered the child a blessing from God. We wanted to honour this miracle by giving Scott the middle name of Dustan.
We could have given Scott a bunch of middle names, like "Miracle", "Gratitude", "Blessing", "Priesthood", "Melchizedek", or perhaps something subtle like "Power of God Manifest", but we thought "Dustan" fit perfectly. Furthermore, we like how this name also represents our time in Ottawa, since Scott may not get the chance to see the place that holds so much meaning for our little family (we considered "Ottawa" and "Nepean" to be poor choices as middle names).
The youngest daughter in the Dustan family was married just 3 days after Scott was born. I've included a few pictures from her Ottawa wedding reception. Since their eldest daughter managed to avoid getting in the pictures, I dug up this photo from my archives of her and her dad eating cake. Enjoy.
7 comments:
It means so much to have such a wonderful story behind the choice of a name !
I am glad that Ottawa and Nepean did not make the cut.
Is the fellow on the far right of the first picture the Groom? Is his name Mark? If it is, I believe I helped him join the Church when I was a missionary in Brantford.
Yep, his last name's Noble, and he's from out Brantford way somewhere. That's pretty amazing.
Hey Elder Bourne - nice bit of missionary work there.
We love your reason for naming Scott Dustan (I was one who spelled it Dustin, but saved from any embarrasment by Helen correcting me early!) I am sure the Bishop was humbled by your choice, and grateful that he followed what the Lord prompted him to say in the many prayers and blessings. We think Scott is a miracle too!!
A great story and a wonderful ending.
Amazing!
Small world. I wonder if they'll use "Elder Bourne" anywhere in their first childs name...
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