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Life returns to desert oasis

published by mhaprov

Tue, 09/06/2011

Senior roughs it on homestead property

By Rene De La Cruz APPLE VALLEY REVIEW

APPLE VALLEY • Jane Davis’ 21⁄2-acre parcel in Apple Valley is teeming with wildlife once again after a local pump and well company came to her rescue in August.

“All of my trees were turning brown, the plants that the birds eat were dead and my garden was barely alive,” said Davis, 65, who lives in a 1920s homestead house on the far edge of town.“The vegetation is nice and green which has called back all the birds and critters,” Davis said. “Water truly is the source of life.”

Davis, who has lived on the property since the early ’90s, said Taylor Pump and Well Company did extensive work on her aging water system after the Victor Valley Community Services Council contacted the company.

Because of the lack of water to her home Davis had scaled back on water usage for her plants, animals, swamp cooler — and even bathing.“Taylor refused to accept any money for any of the work they did,” said Davis, holding back tears. “There are still good people living on this earth.”

Robert Taylor, owner of the well company, said helping Davis was part of his company’s mission to improve the lives of others.“We enjoy making life easier for someone,” Taylor said. “We believe you reap what you sow. If you sow generosity and caring, it will come back to you.”

“When I took my first full shower I felt human again,” Davis said. “They gave me back my dignity and for that I am grateful.”

Twenty years ago Davis experienced a series of major trials which included the loss of family members, her business and her savings.

A major automobile accident almost ended her life and forced her into years of physical therapy.“My body and mind took a dreadful beating and I’m still recovering,” Davis said. “I have my good days and bad days.”“I was a successful model and business owner with lots of money and I lived the good life,” Davis said. “I was the one with the big house,

the fancy car and the big dinner parties. I was on my high horse looking down on everyone else.”

Davis said moving to the “middle of nowhere” was part of her recovery and that losing everything has brought her to her senses, to her knees and closer to God.“I used to hate everything about the desert and now it’s my amphitheater where I can be with God and enjoy nature,” Davis said. “Money distorts our view of the important things of life, but I can see clearly now.”

Davis now enjoys picking produce from her garden and is fascinated by the wildlife that has made its way back to her oasis.Over the years Davis has spent countless hours attempting to repair and refurbish her aging property.

“I know construction so I tried it myself, but there are days that I can barely hammer in three nails,” Davis said. “But the right people always come along at the right time, like the Taylor and the Services Council.”

Taylor said his company understands the value of water.“Many seniors do without because they can’t afford it,” Taylor said. “You need water and should have it.”

Davis believes that her life, like her property, is a slow work in progress that will improve one day at a time.“By losing everything, I gained everything, including my life,” Davis said. “I also discovered that I love being a desert rat.”

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