Hi fern160,
It sounds like you're missing some content from iCloud Photos, and I want to help.
Do you have a computer available where you can visit the iCloud website?
Log in at iCloud.com and go to Photos. Are you able to see your content there?
If you're able to see your content there, we'll want to make sure you have iCloud Photos enabled. You can check that in Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos.
Let me know if that helps you get your content back onto your device. If not, tell me if you're using a known good Wi-Fi connection, which device you're using, and which version of iOS you're using from Settings > General > About.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.