Our China Bird

Ava Joy-Violette Hill

I think we spent almost as much time thinking about this little gal’s name as we did looking at her picture and dreaming about her. From the beginning the Lord gave me the image of a little bird returning to her nest. A different nest from which she was born, but her nest all the same. Thus, she became our "little, precious bird."

I opened a name book, began with A’s and loved the shortness and simplicity of Ava. I said it a hundred or so times, texted it to Brian and then looked up the meaning. Yes, "little bird" it meant, how gracious God is. The Persian definition is even more stunning, "the sound of music". Brian was hooked.

Lily begged for months for us to call her sister "Lily". A bit complicated and confusing I would explain, but then about 2 months ago, Lily asked if her sis could "share her joy"?

There was the obvious meaning of sharing the middle name, "JOY" but the spiritual meaning as well. We will indeed share the joy of her salvation with this little charming girl.

 

Finally, Violette. I knew I was adding to my garden and I wanted a flower that meant something to my mom. Every May Day from little on, mother received violets from her neighbor and in many ways her "first daughter" Judy. I continued the tradition until the last May Day we spent with Mom, 8 years ago. Violets and Lily’s of the valleys - my garden is beautifully full.