Lost in Translation

Okay, so I've been dealing with a few things over the past week that have got me thinking. I know, dangerous! We've been struggling-trying to get someone to help us get Rylee a mobility product. She's been essentially without a wheelchair since April. The therapists call the seating and mobility company-no calls returned or, "we'll get back with you." Then the seating and mobility company calls finally this week, but somehow didn't realize Rylee's need was this pressing. To make a long, emotional roller coaster (I laughed, I cried, I ran the gambit of emotions) story a tad bit shorter - between wanting to throttle everyone, throw in the towel, promising myself I will never depend on others again, and realizing that I should probably be on medications...
I hear, in that blue eyed, Paul Newman drawl, "What we have here is a failure to communicate." Yeah-that Cool Hand Luke sure knew what he was about...except for that whole egg eating episode...but I digress.
Think about it-failure to communicate properly affects every aspect of our everyday lives.

You tell your boss you are ready for more responsibilites.
Translation: you want a raise.
Result? You now work weekends.
You overhear a well meaning church member whisper to another, "Have you heard...?"
Translation: girl, I've got some great gossip!
Result? A person that needed support and encouragement feels a confidence betrayed.
You tell your husband you feel a little frumpy.
Translation: honey, tell me you love me just the way I am-weight gain, stretch marks, and the occasional sweat pants.
Result? For Christmas he buys you a gym membership.
Your husband says he is "fine" after a twelve hour day at work.
Translation: Um, well, with guys it's simple. He really is "fine" but would rather watch UFC fighting than hash out the entire day.
Result? You feel like he doesn't want to 'share' his feelings with you. Wife ends up pouting the rest of the evening, feeling ingnored. He is watching UFC fighting unaware of the storm brewing!

Everyday we have chances to not just effectively communicate but also connect with those around us. Appearantly someone, or all of us, were not clear enough, adamant enough about Rylee's specific needs. Rather than have hurt feelings and wallow in the frustration - I have to connect with all these people to ensure Rylee gets the best care possible. (Yeah, I'm learning humility on a whole new level! grin)

Maybe that's the whole key to productive communication? Connecting with the people you are speaking to. Listen, don't just wait for your turn to speak.

There's a really cool spiritual parallel here too.
While doing for Him, sometimes we forget to really listen to His leading.
Result? We're tired, used up, spent, living a life of obligation rather than obedience to Him.
Translation: We aren't really connecting, plugging in to Christ.

Aaron was talking to me recently about how God uses the Holy Spirit to be our translator.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17

Sometimes we lose something in translation. From the Word to our heart, the meaning goes missing. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in-reminding us of His purpose for our life. While the Holy Spirit gives us God's guidance or truth...the Holy Spirit also intervenes for us, making sure we get the best God has for us.

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:27

As christians, we ask for what we want, often neglecting what we really need. But He listens, knows the desires of our hearts. And just maybe, if we stop and really listen...'failure to communicate' could change to a 'fullness of connection.'

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with you all."

2 Corinthians 13:14

No deep discussions today.

Just a quick note to say I love my sweet husband.

(please refer to blog entry: 02/26/08 'Fact is better than Fiction)

Aaron spent last Friday making sure his tags were correct, only to discover later they gave him the wrong tag. A few phone calls from the DMV later, and trying to explain his work schedule, our life with Rylee, too many hours missed from work, and $50 bucks in gas - they corrected their mistake. Even though it was at our expense - it just reminded me how thankful I am for Aaron's calm disposition.

He's the calm...I of course am the storm.

(no comments please, from the peanut gallery! grin)

'A soft answer turneth away wrath:

but grievous words stir up anger.'

Proverbs 15:1

Trying out a new map-let me know what everyone thinks. Aaron and I love seeing who's checking in, and it's a great way to teach Ryann geography. Shout out to Ankara, Turkey and Ile-de-France. Also-to our local yokels who are faithful groupies. To the folks in Cranberry Township, PA and everyone else that pray for us, but we've never met personally - God bless, thank you for being faithful prayer warriors on our behalf...and drop us a line on the guestpage - we'd like to know how you heard about Rylee! Thanks!

Taking things in stride...the Davis Crew

This week the Lord has really burdened my heart as a mother. I struggle daily as I try to grasp God's sovereignty in the midst of my everyday life. How do I convey what we've learned to those around us? How do I teach my five year old to have joy even in the midst of great heartache? Can I...am I, reflecting His glory as we love and care for Rylee?

There are so many people struggling, painfully making their way through life.
What worth does faith have in a materialistic world?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

We get so focused on what we can't prove scientifically or physically grasp.
In that single mindedness we forget that the important, valuable things in life are just that-intangibles...'incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch, not definite or clear to the mind.'

Love, hope, faith, trust, peace, thankfulness, contentment,...

Sometimes, in the midst of the hurt, the pain-when your soul cries out for His mercy and grace...when your head knowledge of His Word can't seem to find its way into your breaking heart...in the stillness of prayer you can almost feel it...
He's there, wrapping His arms around you, lifting your burden.

And you remember, this is what it feels to be held.

Many times, I will add a post - trying to be honest with my emotions. The turmoil of my private thoughts and prayers can be difficult to see written down. When I posted this entry last week it was with a heavy heart for a dear friend. Many of you know of our special friendship with the Carters. They are going through a very difficult time right now...grieving the loss of a child already named, wanted so desperately. Please remember this sweet family in your thoughts and prayers. Words cannot begin to articulate our hurt for them. Pray they will feel God's mercy and grace...and a peace that passes all understanding.

We plead guilty...to temporary insanity!

Now, most parents will admit to becoming immune, at some point, to their child's 'look.' You know the one...mouth puckered, big eyes, head tilted...it is as though a magical spell momentarily robs you of your sanity. Then when they say, "But, I promise, I'll take care of it!" you for some reason believe them. On reflection you wonder what robbed you of your intelligence. Especially when you consider that they can't read or tie their shoes...but in that moment, you think to yourself, "Maybe she really could take care of a pet."
Now, all you readers know about the demise of Doe, Ray, and Me-Ryann's goldfish from WalMart. Deciding we needed something with more staying power, we went through the list. Tadpoles turn into frogs and you have all that water to keep clean. Hermit crabs...yeah, not really movers and shakers. Turtles and rabbits, well they kind of stink. A cat claws things and of course could climb onto counters or up on Rylee as she sleeps. Mice...don't think so.
So...what of course does that leave? Yes...a dog.

Now I will be the first to admit I'm not a pet person...let alone an indoor pet person. Keep in mind that I already have one butt (albeit a cute one) to wipe-why would I knowingly submit myself to house training a dog you ask? Take one look at the picture below and I think you will understand. Temporary insanity.


Ryann and Rylee decided to name the little pooch, 'Princess Sophia Fluffy Hallelujah Davis.' Aaron's first comment, "Seriously, couldn't you have at least gotten a boy dog? I'm surrounded by women!" His second comment involves a mental picture that I relish telling. Imagine my manly husband, teaching this tiny little dog how to pee outside. Then imagine him calling her inside..."Princess Sophie, Princess Sophie, come here doggy!" I laughed until my sides hurt. Aaron's a good sport, but needless to say everyone has nicknamed the pooch 'Sofers.'

Sophie is very sweet with the girls. In the few days we've had her we've noticed she is very interested in Rylee's wheelchair. We let her lay with Rylee in the evenings, under our close supervision. She snuggles up in the crook of Rylee's arm (the dog is hypoallergenic and will only grow to five pounds) and settles in for naps. When Rylee has a seizure she will lay very still and lick Rylee's hand until it's over. Rylee likes the feel of her up against her and generally the two fall asleep together. Ryann has been taking care of all her needs. It's amusing watching them play and run together. Ryann runs around the corner, Sophie fast on her heels...until Sophie trips on her head and spins out. Wanting her to fully experience her first real pet we are also making her clean up after Sophie. Let me tell you, the first number two Sophie made in the house was a real treat! Aaron and I made Ryann clean up...you would have thought she was Chicken Little and the sky was falling! After tears, pleading, and bargaining she finally cleaned up-and since then has been taking total care of Sophie.


Hope you all enjoy the pictures. Aaron and I were sold when we saw how sweet she is with our girls and I like the late night company. She's good therapy for all of us.
(But I really hope to have her house trained...soon!)

Locks of Love gets two more twelve inch braids! This is Ryann's second time to give.

Ryann, Pastor Troy, and some of her new friends at Camp Joy.

Ryann after the 'slop'stical course - that is powder in her hair,

chocolate syrup on her mouth, and doughnut dust on her face.

Ryann and I just finished our church's young kids camp-Camp Joy. Last weekend she cut her hair just in time-another twelve inches for Locks of Love. We were told she's the only kid they've ever had to give twelve inches...twice...in just over a year. While the new haircut makes her look much older-Aaron and I are so proud of her compassionate heart and willing spirit. Speaking of hair, and turning back to Camp Joy, since I'm not quite ready to send Ryann as an overnighter, she was a daycamper this year. Not wanting to leave her, but also not wanting to be in the way, I told everyone I was available to do the stuff no one else wanted to do. Last year that involved mucking out bathroom stalls with some of the other moms...and screaming as wood roaches clamored out of the drains. This year I had a new posse and a new job...once again involving pests. I can now add another job description to my mommy resume-lice checker. Ah, life is so glamorous! giggle Ryann made some new best friends, or as she calls them in her 'teenager voice'-BFF's.

Ryann, Miss Ashley, and Sierra

Ryann's first ever award!

She also learned to run obstacle courses, climb up a tarp covered in syrup and baby oil, run with inner tubes around her, and discovered that being dirty is actually pretty fun. She's always been very particular about her hygiene routine...after two hot sticky days at camp she fell asleep in bed, fully clothed with about an inch of dirt and grime on her feet, stuck between her toes. We had a great week and enjoyed the time together. Rylee decided to stay home with her professional spoilers and beat the heat. Camp Joy also taught me the importance of letting my little girl fly. It's pretty much common knowledge among those who know me well...I'm a helicopter...I hover. It's not that I worry as much as I just want to experience everything with her as she learns and grows. Please pray that I can find a good balance-encouraging her and letting her take her own leaps and bounds. Pray that God will continue to put wonderful people in our lives that I can trust to help her achieve any goals she may have now and in the future.


Aaron and I enjoyed some much needed 'husband-wife' time this weekend. We went to Blennerhasset Island-checked out the historical landmarks, rode bikes, had a little picnic, took the scenic tour on the ferry boat. It was wonderful to spend time with Aaron. We love our girls so very much, but every once and a while - we need a little break from the day in and day out of work, work, and more work (for him) and diapers, dishes, and no sleep (for me). I think we realized how much we need this time to ourselves-to refresh and reconnect-and will try to start doing 'date days' more often...as in often I of course mean, more than once a year.

The captain loaned me his hat...and the wheel!

Rylee continues to be stable-good clear breathing, growing in leaps and bounds, and becoming more and more alert. While we know she will never walk or talk-her medical improvements are comparative to taking first steps. Every time she coughs and clears her own secretions or moves her head to locate a familiar voice it improves her quality of life. We continue to be amazed at her progress and thankful for time to make wonderful memories with her. Summer is a great time for us-park visits, swimming, church, going out to eat with friends, backyard play dates. Except for the heat, she does great outside and we generally don't have to be as concerned about germs. We go into house arrest around the fall through early summer to protect her immune system-so we cram alot into our few summer months. Please continue to pray for her overall health and comfort level-and wisdom as Aaron and I, and her medical staff make decisions.

Rylee getting a workout from her physical therapists.

That's all for now...hope everyone enjoys the photos. Know that we are all living life to the fullest and encourage each of you to live life...'more abundantly...'
We've learned through Rylee and Kaymaen that the length of your life isn't as important as the depth of the life.
Live full, love hard, and laugh loud!

"...dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:12-17

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon,

but that we wait so long to begin it.

-Winston Churchill