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Real Answers™
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Copyright: © 2008 Kendall Wingrove
650 words

LIKE DOROTHY SAID:  "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME"

By: Kendall Wingrove

The conclusion from The Wizard of Oz remains among the most cherished scenes in movie history.  Young Dorothy is finally back in her bedroom, surrounded by Uncle Henry, Auntie Em and the farmhands, when she utters the heartfelt words: "There's no place like home."
 
That memorable phrase resonates for me because two real-life women named Dorothy kept Algonac, Michigan my "home" for a long time.
 
Dorothy Pocklington and Dorothy Balagna each spent more than 80 years in the small southeast Michigan community where I was raised. They touched many people and were beloved by family and friends. 

In recent weeks, “Grandma” Pocklington died at 95 and Dottie Balagna passed away at 84.  It’s important to reflect on their long and useful lives and ponder the lessons they are still teaching us.

Both traveled similar paths.  Each was raised in a close-knit, loving family; both had one sister and always remained devoted siblings.  Dottie and her younger sister Betty were both Algonac High School class valedictorians that later became elementary school teachers in their hometown.

Dottie and Betty were prayer warriors.  The faith of these Christians was put to the test when Dottie was faced with many afflictions in the early 1990s. She eventually moved to Betty’s house on Washington Street, just a few doors down from the Pocklington home.  Under these two roofs, a few hundred yards away from each other, each Dorothy impacted several generations with their enthusiasm and devotion.

During the final chapters of their lives, when others may have turned bitter, both made things better for those around them. 

Around age 60, Grandma Pocklington could have found herself alone and living in a big, empty house.  Instead of indulging in self-pity, she focused on raising her granddaughter Jan during the teen’s high school years.  It was a superb match and each encouraged the other to keep moving forward.  Their home, next to the football field, became a regular gathering spot after Friday night games. In addition to the fun, food and music, Grandma always had time to lend an ear or offer words of comfort.  

After high school, Jan graduated from college, got married and eventually became a mother of four.  All of her youngsters came to know their great-grandmother very well and enjoyed many of the same experiences that Jan had years before.

Although she never had children, Dottie was a second mother to Betty’s three daughters and participated in hundreds of activities with them.  She was also known throughout Algonac for her musical abilities.  Whether it was playing piano for her students or helping lead worship services on the organ at the Algonac Church of Christ, Dottie thoroughly enjoyed sharing her talents with others.
 
Crippling arthritis robbed her of the ability to play and eventually the malady dramatically restricted her simplest movements.  Even holding a pen or using a spoon became a chore.  Despite this painful condition, no one can remember Dottie complaining even once. 
 
Dottie's spirit is captured best in James 1:2:  "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
 
Dottie and Grandma Poc persevered and everyone who knew them is better for it.  Their example provides a roadmap to follow and their faith should illuminate our path. 

For many years, whenever I would arrive back in Algonac after a trip, I would intentionally drive on Washington Street just to see if a light was on in Grandma Poc's house.  It was reassuring to know that she was there, keeping a watchful eye on things. 

After spending decades offering a safe haven for others, Dottie and Grandma Poc have gone to their eternal destination.  The brightness of their love still shines in the faces of those they touched and that glow is something to be treasured.  

Yes Dorothy and Dorothy, thanks to both of you there’s no place like home.

Kendall Wingrove is a free-lance writer from East Lansing, Michigan.

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

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