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Show 114 separations from her husband, she had probably, through them, developed some valuable coping skills. And when it came to coping, her firm reliance upon her Heavenly Father was one of her finest tools. At 2:00 a.m. of November 10, having completed preparations for her departure that morning, Ellis takes a moment to record a prayer: Oh, Heavenly Father, give me strength to endure the separation from my loved ones, and power to succeed in my endeavors to gain a knowledge of Medicine-that my life may be noble and useful upon the earth. Into Thy hands, kind Father, do I commit my treasures, praying Thee to protect, preserve and bless them that we may all be permitted to meet again and rejoice in thy goodness.12 Traveling by railroad later that day, Ellis has an opportunity to reflect upon and record the strong emotions which attended the parting with her family. I thought my heart would break this morning-Oh, how long it seems before I can see my treasures again. Two years and a half. Oh, for power, do I pray to endure this painful separation, and to gain the knowledge for which I have sacrified so much. Never will I forget this morning-nor the sadness upon the faces of my loved ones as I bade them good-bye. The parting is too painful to dwell upon. My heart aches so sadly I must endeavor to divert my thoughts, or I fear my strength will fail me.13 Throughout the journey Ellis describes the passing scenes, but she also carefully documents her emotions with respect to having left her family. In Omaha she mentions for the first time that she has traveling companions, "the kind Missionaries Brother Woods, Bullock and others-who attended to the purchasing of my ticket, checking my trunk, et cetera. How fortunate, how blessed I have |