When does every word matter? When things have been really quiet, each new word seems to carry much more deep meaning. Our daughter, Kennady was born with a severe brain abnormality and has significant development delay. One of her major set backs is not being able to verbally communicate. If you haven’t heard that story, you can get more info here. How frustrating it must be to have something to say and no way to say it!
Some of her amazing teachers from Negley Elementary
Her amazing teachers at school have been working with her for a long time with an augmentative communication device. Basically, a computer mounts onto her wheelchair with a large screen. She has switches mounted to each side of her head rest. She is able to click the switches by moving her head from side to side. She can toggle through different word choices with one switch and then select and “say” the word through the computer. She struggles moving her head because of her lack of muscle control. This means when she clicks on words to say them we often wonder if she is actually meaning to say the word or not.
A few weeks back, she was in the middle of therapy at school and was getting tired. She began to fuss at the therapist by whining and crying. Her nurse, Kimberly, positioned herself directly in Kennady’s face and said, “Kennady, it would be much easier for you to use your device and tell the therapist that you are done.” Then, Kennady used her head to click the command and the computer said, “Bye!”
At that point, the therapist said, “Ok, we are done.” Kennady immediately relaxed and quit fussing. What an awesome feeling that must have been for her… to be heard!
Normally, if your child told her therapist “Bye!”, you would correct them and tell him or her to be more polite. However, that is not what happened here. Instead, everyone was celebrating because…Kennady talked. She effectively communicated what she was supposed to say at the right time.
What would be a life lesson from this? Here are some of my takeaways:
- God is Faithful – No matter what situation you are going through, waiting on God pays off. Stay focused on Him and don’t get distracted with how things are not going your way. “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
- Every Word We Say Matters – We shouldn’t take talking for granted. We shouldn’t assume that people know how we feel. Take the opportunity to express yourself to those around you. Speak up when you agree, disagree, need to encourage, or correct.
- Being Heard is Awesome – Take the time to LISTEN to others. Be quick to listen!
- Little Things are Significant- We are often looking for “huge” or “complete” all at once. Sometimes, God works in patterns and processes. He likes for us to experience the pace and process of life. I would love for Kennady to speak complete sentences from now on. In the meantime, we will take one word at a time!
- Your thoughts? What do you hear from this story?
We would love to hear from you.
Robin…I agree completely…As we remind our toddlers “use your words”….But what if you don’t have the ability to “make/use” words or even sign language??
Communication is always a “2 way street”…or it should be…That is how we learn and express ourselves. So excited for your all!! LOVE & Blessings to your FAMILY!!
So good to hear from you, Mrs. Barker! Thanks for your thoughts. So True!
As Bro. Kenneth Phillips told us the day after she was born, ‘as long as there is life, there’s hope.’ Kenna, we have HOPE!!
Yes, Mom! So good to see some encouraging signs along the way.
Oh I am so excited, Pastor Robin. I was just seeing what an affirmation of God’s love, and the glory that true patience brings. Until I read your blog I hadn’t even considered the powerful message about communication that you just presented. Yes times a thousand. Sometimes saying what needs to be said is very hard for a of us, but we take it for granted and put it off.
It occurs to me this would be a good time to say to our youngers. “Call your Mom!”
There a hundreds of ways to apply this.
Love in Jesus,
Marilyn
Marilyn, thanks for your thoughts!
Beautifully put, Robin!
God’s will, God’s Timing….a day can equal 1000 years! :). Not for our understanding but has some beautiful life lessons for us. God is sooooo Wonderful!
God’s will and God’s timing can be a great adjustment for us. However, Great is His faithfulness towards us!
WOW!!!!! That is proof that god walks with us EVERYDAY!!!! I struggle everyday with trying to communicate with others. I am so happy for you and your family pastor!!!!! More words to come!!!!!
Thanks, Melanie! Good to hear from you!