Brave Hearts: A legacy that lives on today

By Michelle King
Special to the Pioneer Times
    Brave Hearts had its open house on Aug. 1 and we had a tremendous turnout; something we had hoped for, but did not really expect. But sharing our vision with people and seeing their excitement was not the greatest gift we received that day. Our greatest gift was Dot Armstrong.
    She was the first one to walk through our doors that day and for many years she was probably the first face people saw when they walked through the hospital’s doors or was awakened by a nurse. How lucky they were, as were we, because her smile and personality are contagious.
Contributed photo
1941 HOSPITAL DAY — These employees of the Milliken Memorial Hospital were celebrating National Hospital Day open house in the early ‘40s. From left, Madeline James, Jessie Hunt, Dr. C. I. Swett, Dot Armstrong, Mil. Schurman and Fern Larsen.
    As we toured and discussed the plans we have for our boy’s home, she reminisced and reminded us of the rich history of the Emma V. Milliken Memorial Hospital. At 95, Dot is as sharp as when she started at the hospital when it opened in 1937.
    Not only were we touched by her charm, many others were, too. Another lady immediately recognized her as her teacher for a CNA class she took. Here it is, years later and this woman was enamored of her still, and gushed about how much she loved her as a teacher.
    Dot was touched but humble. It was apparent she couldn’t see how her loving attitude could impact someone so much so many years later.
    Before that day, I had never met Dorothy Armstrong, but I had seen her. The historical society let me make copies of pictures related to the hospital so we could know the history of our new home. There she was, always smiling; with babies, on opening day with Jeannette McGary McKenzie and with the nursing staff in 1941.
    I think back on our opening day and discovered the source of her smile, as she tapped a Vacation Bible School poster we had, nodded at a Bible verse painted on a wall, or when she acknowledged the good life she had enjoyed was all due to her relationship with God.
    Here it is two weeks later and the memory of her visit and the impact it had on us is still strong. Who she was and what she stood for is a legacy we want to continue at Brave Hearts. Her love of children, her passion and joy and her Christian foundation are legacies we want to instill in the young people who visit Brave Hearts.
SPECIAL GUEST — Dot Armstrong, 95, left, made the trip from her home in Portland to attend the open house.
    We hope that with each person that passes through here, they will be met with a smile and the obvious love of people that Dot shared. As a physical testimony and to remember her legacy, renovations of the Emma V. Milliken third floor suites will start with the former delivery room, which will become the Dot Armstrong Room.
    As you may know, our rooms are named after heroes both legendary and real. Each room displays a trait that we want boys to possess. The King Arthur Room is about chivalry and honor toward women. The Paul Bunyan Room is about hard work and perseverance. The World War II Room is about patriotism and service to others. The William Wallace Room is about faithfulness. It is obvious to us and anyone who knows her that the Dot Armstrong Room would stand for loving kindness.
    God bless you, Dot Armstrong and thank you for your legacy and inspiration.
    The third floor renovations may begin this fall and resume in the spring. If you are interested in sponsoring a room on the Emma Milliken floor, please contact Brave Hearts at mking@braveheartsmaine.org or 463-2126.  Leave your legacy today!