Chapter Nineteen
School, Competitions, Recognition
A/N – Well Fall is here. School in underway, the Fall Finale is approaching, business is continuing to grow, and new experiences are happening all through the Borden family. Amy, Ty, and their children are happy, content and love each other deeply. But as always if you are a Borden, you are always looking for something new and challenging. Let's follow them to see what mischief they and the entire family can get into. Enjoy!
Dinner was the typical onslaught of conversation about an abundance of topics. Amy and Ty made it a top priority to make sure the family all sat down, especially on school nights to talk about the day. Every child was asked about their day and Ty and Amy would talk about theirs as well. Although much of the conversation was during dinner, after dishes were cleared everyone came back to the table for a continuing dialogue. Most kids may balk at that, but the Borden kids looked forward to it. Even JT, who was beginning to say more words stayed engaged although he usually wanted to get out of his chair and sit with his mom, dad or one of his sisters. The hope was to continue this as the kids got older and mirror the tradition of the Heartland family dinners Ty and Amy loved so much.
Tonight everything was going to plan. Everyone was pretty talkative except Annie, who was not only quiet but didn't seem to be eating her food. Amy glanced over to her and calmly asked, "Annie what's going on with you. How is the science project going. Who is your partner again?" She looked up and said with little emotion, "Good, and my partner is Bryan Wilson." Maddie added, "Bryan, is he your boyfriend?" Annie didn't respond but Ty gave her a stern look and she said she was sorry. Annie looked up to her mom and asked' May I be excused, I am really tired." Amy nodded her head as Ty looked at Addie. When Annie stepped away, he whispered to Addie, "Do you know what is going on?" Addie went over to her parents, "I don't know but I feel something is not right. I will go to her and try to find out." Dinner was over and the girls headed to their rooms to read and get ready for bed. Amy and Ty took a few moments to hang with their little man, give him a bath, read him a book and Amy sang him to sleep. Ty sat and watched as Amy soothed their son. He loved to hear her singing Grandma Lyndy's songs to their children.
After he fell asleep the proud parents made their rounds. When they got to the Twin's room it was dark except for Addie's desk lamp. The went over to Annie and found her fast asleep. Ty instinctively felt her head to see if she was warm and he looked over to Amy smiling as she seemed ok. The sat with Addie and kept their voices down. "Honey, have you been able to talk to her or do you sense anything that might be bothering her. Annie is not the most talkative of you siblings, especially when Maddie is in the room, but she was really quiet and reserved tonight." Amy asked. Addie whispered, "I don't know mom and dad, she really wasn't too talkative. I tried to even talk to her in our language but nothing. You know I feel something, but I just can't figure out what it is. It's like there is a cloud blocking it from me. I have never felt something like that before." Amy and Ty looked at her perplexed and alarmed, "What do you mean a cloud?" Addie looked at them seriously, "It's like something is there but it is too fuzzy to see. But don't worry I will keep an eye on her and let you know if I found anything out"
A little after 6:00am the next morning, Addie burst into their room. They had a restless sleep checking on Annie a couple of times so both of them were awoken quickly. Addie screamed, "Mom, dad come quick there is something really wrong with Annie." The grabbed their robes and slippers and moved quickly behind her frantic sister. As they headed down the hall, Lyndy heard the commotion and headed there as well. When they entered the room, they went to Annie and saw her shaking, actually convulsing like a seizure. Instinctively they reverted to their first aid training and went to the side of the bed to make sure she was safe. Amy gently held her daughter soothing her as the convulsions subsided. Wide eyed, Annie look at her mother with fear in her eyes. "Mom, what happened. I woke up and the next thing I know you are holding me. My whole-body hurts, and I am sick to my stomach. And Ow, my ankle really hurts. " Instinctively Ty pulled up her pajama pants leg and put his hand to his mouth.
As he looked at an infected cut and a red line moving from it, he said calmly, "Honey when did this happen?" She looked down embarrassed, "The other day I was feeding one of the client horses and the horse stepped back and nudged me into the wall. The was a pitchfork and it tore a hole in my jeans and broke the skin. I went and put some antiseptic on and bandaged it. To be honest I kind of forgot about it." Ty continued to look over the wound and ask Amy to take a look. "Honey you should have said something so we could look at it too. This is really infected, and I think the seizure happened because your body is fighting it." Amy whispered to Ty tracing the red line, "We need to get her to the hospital, the infection is moving to her blood and that is not good.
Immediately things went into action. Ty went to get dressed as Amy stayed with Annie. Amy asked Addie to get dressed so she could come with them. Her sister would need her and their special bond as twins. As Ty left, he took Lyndy in the hall, "Honey we need you to get Maddie and JT up and call Lou. You and Addie go to school and if we need you, we will call but I am sure everything will be ok. Lou can take JT for the day. We will fill the others in when we get settled in the hospital." Lyndy hugged her dad as she said shakily, "Dad you can count on me. Please take care of her" He smiled and after he got dressed went back to Amy so she could. Once they were ready, he picked up his little girl and headed to the car. Luckily, Maddie and JT were still asleep and as they got in the car Lyndy saw them off. The ride to the hospital went quicky since it was so early. Amy and Addie sat with Annie in back to comfort her. She was feeling worse and started shaking as if another seizure was about to begin. Amy look at him in the rear-view mirror mouthing, "Please hurry"
As the pulled up to the hospital staff was waiting as Ty had called ahead. They got Annie out as she was having another full-blown seizure. Addie was frantically crying reaching for her twin sister as she felt the seizure too. The nurses injected her with something that calmed the seizure down and took her into the ER. Ty parked the SUV and went in to be with Amy and Addie. They sat and waited for the doctor as Addie calmed down a bit. Addie looked at her mom, "I feel her, she is really scared, I, we have to be there for her." As they looked up the doctor walked out. "Are you Annie's family?" As we acknowledged him, he smiled looking at Addie, "And I expect you are her twin sister. Annie has a very bad staph infection. It seems her cut, although treated initially became infected and moved into her blood stream."
He continued, "I understand the wound was from a pitchfork used to clean out a horse stall?" Amy answered, "Yes she was bumped by a horse and the pitchfork pierced her skin." The doctor responded shaking his head in understanding. "Yes, I am familiar, I grew up with horses and had a few mishaps myself. As you can imagine there is some nasty stuff on them, and it seems that was what happened. We have treated the wound and have her on fluids and antibiotics. With rest and recovery she will be good to go in a day or two." Addie spoke up, "But why did she have a seizure. I felt her fear, but I couldn't feel what was wrong with her. I was afraid for her but couldn't help." He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Addie, the seizure was a response by her body as it fought the infection. So you felt her pain?" Ty interjected, "Addie and Annie are connected, and they can feel when the other is hurt or in a stressful situation. It is actually pretty astounding. They even talk to each other in their own language under duress."
"Well that makes sense, when she was waking up from the sedative, we gave her she was talking in gibberish. We asked her what she was saying but she just looked at us." The doctor interjected. Addie put her hand to her mouth, "I just heard her, doctor I have to see her now, she needs me." The doctor took them in talking to Ty about this connection, "I have heard of this but never seen it, it is amazing." Ty smiled, "just wait until you see them together." Amy and Addie approached Annie. She immediately looked at her sister and pulled her into a hug, whispering in her ear. Amy held her hand and watched the interaction. Annie eyes opened widely, and she said, "Mom, dad what happened to me. Addie told me I was going to be ok, but I am a little confused." Amy talked softly to her, "Honey, your leg got really infected and it made you have a couple of seizures. But you are on medicine, and you are going to be fine. You need to rest and relax and maybe we can go home later," looking at the doctor. He nodded in agreement. "Mom and dad, I am sorry I should have told you what happened. Addie told me when she felt my pain, she couldn't see what was wrong. We think the infection clouded her ability to see my pain. I was so scared but feel much better now." Annie said while holding her sister tightly. The doctor listened in amazement to the story, it was definitely a first for him.
Annie came home later in the afternoon to hugs and kisses from her entire family. Lisa and Lou had dinner ready at the Miracle Ranch house and everyone sat around talking and making sure she was ok. Maddie walked over to her sister and hugged her tightly whispering in her ear, "I love you so much, I was so scared, and I am so happy you are ok." Annie held on to her sister tightly ensuring her she was ok. After things settled Amy, Ty and Lou decided to make sure everyone on staff received a tetanus shot based on the recommendation from Annie's doctor.
The family was excited because it was time for the Fall Finale. Lyndy had qualified to be in the intermediate bracket and was one of the top contenders. Katie was qualified as well so two riders representing the Equine Center would compete. It was decide a while back that any rider from the business would be designated as being from the center. A tradition the family had was a pre-race breakfast at Heartland. The riders and their coaches left a little early to get ready and to look over the course. Jack would bring the horses and the rest would come later to cheer. Amy, Ty, Lyndy, Georgie, Katie, and Wyatt went early, and Jack would bring Steven with him. Once they arrived, Steven would check them over to see if they were settled.
When they arrived, they registered and got their numbers and lanyards. After they were done, they all walked the course. Right away Katie noticed a few new jumps, especially a double jump at the end. She leaned into her sister and said quietly, "That is really high." Georgie settled her saying, "You can do it, we have already jumped hurdles like this in practice with Pal. You are both ready." Amy added, "Katie you are ready, and you are going to rock this course." Lyndy and Wyatt walked in front of the group holding hands as they walked the course. Amy smiled at how cute they looked remembering when she walked the course with Ty the same way years ago. They weren't officially together yet, but they were best friends. She leaned into her husband's shoulder. "Look familiar? And don't you dare say anything."
As they walked the course, Lyndy felt good until she got to the last jump. "Mom, do you see this. It's the same jump as Katie's course and only 6" shorter." She grabbed onto Wyatt's in distress. "Mom, we have never jumped anything like this. What are we going to do." She felt like she was going to faint. She looked at her dad and fell into his arms while Amy rubbed her back. "Honey that is why we walk the course and I bet the other riders are saying the same thing. Let's talk through it. We just need to make sure you have your steps down. Rather that jump at 5 you need to speed up and jump at 4 – easy-peasy." Amy smiled. "Yea kid, pieces of cake, you can do this." Georgie added. Ty and Katie joined on the support then Wyatt took her hand and walked over to the jump whispering in her ear, "Lyndy you are an amazing jumper, you got this, I know you do." She leaned into his shoulder whispering thank you.
The horses arrived and so did the entire family and many friends. The group almost filled up and entire section. Ty joined them to hold JT as the others were in the staging area. Ty brought JT and the girls down to give their sister a final hug. JT held on a little longer than usual realizing something big was going on. Lou and Jack came down to support Katie. The competition began, with Lyndy's group going first. Lyndy was the second last competitor as she watched the others. Some runs were good, but others were not. The time to beat was a rider from Val Stanton's Briar Ridge team. She ran a 45.5 second round with no faults. Lyndy got on Sundance as he help his head high. That horse loved competing. Amy looked up to her with a mother's love but the coach in her told her something. "Lyndy, you see how between jump 4 and 5 the riders always go wide. Try to cut the angle and you will pick up a second or two." Lyndy smiled.
The bell sounded and she took off. She had to really work at keeping Sundance under control. The cheers from the crown had him amped up. After he flew over the first jump, she reined him in and continued. They were gliding over the jumps and remembering what her mom said she cut the angle and sailed over the jump with ease. The next few jumps were achieved and saw the last jump in front of them She took a deep breath and remember what they talked about, and she flew over the jump with ease and finished the run. The crowd went wild. While she waited for the time as Wyatt held her hand. The announcer came on. Lyndy Borden from the "Marion Flemming Equine Center just completed the course in 43 seconds flat and is our leader. Again the crowd went wild as Lyndy hugged Wyatt, her mom and finally Sundance. The next rider faulted on the first jump, so it was confirmed, Lyndy had won the competition. Everyone was elated and congratulated her.
Katie's group went last and just like Lyndy, she was second from last. She had been winning most competitions she had been entering and when her turn came, she was calm and cool. Georgie reminded her to stay focused on the course and her horse. Looking over Lyndy winked at her and mouthed, you go this. Katie glided on to the course. She had been riding Pal on the circuit for several years and they acted as one on the course. They smoothly glided over the jumps and when they got to the last one, she remembered her sisters words of encouragement, set up for the jump clearing it easily. As she pulled up again the crowd was going wild. The next rider struggled and like Lyndy she knew she had won. Again the crowd went wild as everyone came down to personally congratulate both riders. At the awards ceremony they each received a red ribbon, a customized stall blanket and saddle mat. The girls were beaming. The announcer made mention that they were the only two entries from the Equine Center and both were winners. Pictures were taken and the family prepared to go home for the dinner celebration.
Over the next few weeks their schools were still abuzz about Lyndy and Katie's big wins. In Hudson, the Fall Finale was like the Super Bowl of horse jumping. Teachers and other students alike continued to congratulate them for their win. Lyndy was walking to class with Wyatt when Olivia one of the few girls Lyndy didn't like approached them. Olivia rode for Briar Ridge and they had competed against each other many times. "I can't believe you won, I am sure the judges cheated, and I think the jump I clipped was higher that when you went over it. And that cow pony you ride, how embarrassing." She screamed. Before she would answer, Wyatt stepped in from her and responded. "Oliva as I recall Lyndy has beaten you many times and maybe you are the one with the really expensive cow pony. Lyndy is an amazing rider and has the Miracle Girl and an Olympic Champion training her. So why don't you just move along." Lyndy stood there with her eyes wide open as Oliva retorted. "What you have your boyfriend speak for you, you are a wimp." Wyatt again grabbed Lyndy's hand, "Actually you have just given me a complement. Lyndy and I are close friends and care for each other and if that's means I am her boyfriend that is awesome. I speak because Lyndy was brought up to always be nice to people even when they are mean to her. So, I decided to speak for her. You are a selfish and self-centered person. And you are jealous of what we have." The crowd that had gathered around them laughed and cheered as Olivia huffed away. Lyndy look into Wyatt's eyes and said thank you hugging him tightly.
Annie and Addie were feeding off of their sister and cousin success as well. Their friends and teachers were excited for the family and the winners. Annie was feeling much better although it took a while longer than she wanted to get back to normal. The girls were really busy with the fourth grade science project but more excited about the Fall Dance. Their mom had let them both new dresses (That were really cute) and they were both going in a group of friends. Addie was excited that Desi was not only her partner on the science project but was going with the group. The same was for Annie, Bryan was going to be in their group as well. Both of them secretly hoped that they would be able to have a dance with them. When they were talking at dinner that night Maddie made it a point that the girls were excited for the chance to have one dance with them. Amy and Ty rolled their eyes.
Maddie had become the official spokesperson for the Fall Finale winners. She couldn't stop talking about how awesome they were and how one day she would win to. Amy and Ty told her to chill a bit and when they received a call from her school's principal, Mr. Dunning they thought she may had gone over the line again. Fearing the worse the principal began to speak, "First off outside of being the official PR person for her sister and cousin Maddie is doing great. But I wanted to let you about something pretty amazing. As you recall, Maddie received recognition last year for helping Gwen and I have to say she is a young lady of her word. They are inseparable. Anyway I submitted what she did to the Alberta Downs Syndrome Association. And I am pleased to say that she has been selected by them to receive the Downs Syndrome Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes a person who stands out in supporting someone with this diagnosis." He took a breath as Amy and Ty listened in astonishment and pride.
After a few seconds of stunned silence, Ty spoke up, "Mr. Dunning we are overjoyed that our daughter has been recognized for what she did. She is a special person, and we are sure she will be stunned. So when will she be told?" He answered, "Sorry for the late notice as I just found this out earlier this morning, but we have an end of day assembly today and I wanted to use it to make the announcement. We hope you can attend. And I hope you don't mind but I have made arrangements to have Lyndy attend so if you can get her on your way that would be great." "Of course we will, and we will fill her in, so she does not worry. She is very close to her younger sister and will be proud of her. So, I guess we will see you a little before three." Amy concluded. "Yes, in fact come to my office as I don't want her or the twins to know you are there. I will ask all of you to come up on stage after I make the announcement. And just so you know the award will be given her on Saturday after their annual walk that raises funds for the organization and will be covered by the local media, it's a pretty big deal. I know it is late notice so whomever you want to come Saturday you can let them know as well. Maybe you all can join in the walk as well." He said goodbye, Amy and Ty looked at each other realizing they had a lot to do in a very short time.
Amy immediately got on the phone to Lou and Ty went to see Georgie to fil them in. Of course all of them wanted to go to school, so they called Mr. Dunning and said that would be great. He commented "Now I understand what has guided Maddie, she has a great family, the more the merrier." Everyone was over the moon, and they all headed to the school. When they went into Mr. Dunning's office as covertly as possible, his assistant put her hands to her mouth when she saw the large group and said, "Oh my" She ushered Ty, Amy, Lyndy, JT, Jack, Lisa, Lou, Katie, Georgie, Steven, Tim, and Casey into a small conference room. As Mr. Dunning came into the room he was overwhelmed and gave them the planning of what would happened. She would be called up to stage and they would also have the twins to join the group behind the stage hidden from view. He would mention why Maddie was called up and announce to the school about her award. Lyndy spoke up, "Mr. Dunning could Gwen come up with us to. She is like a member of her family now and I bet she would love to." As she spoke the door opened and Gwen's parents came into the room. "Well that works because as you can see Jim and Ruth are here as well." Mr. Dunning said with his eyes moistening up. "This is going to be a great day."
The room was abuzz as Mr. Dunning, and Ms. Addison got everyone to quiet down. After a few announcements he spoke, "Before we leave, there is one more thing I need to announce. Last year one of our students went above and beyond as she helped a fellow classmate when she was being bullied. Well that young lady was recognized with a Student Cares Award, and I would like to bring her up on stage. Madelline Borden can you please join us." Maddie sat stunned as Ms. Addsion came to escort her to the stage. Although Maddie never was nervous of attention this was way too overwhelming. Mr. Dunning had Ms. Addison grab Annie and Addie as well for additional support. After they settled, Mr. Dunning continued. "To be honest in my job there are not always good things to talk about but today we have a great thing. As a lot of you may know, Maddie walked up on some kids picking on a fellow classmate, teasing her, and pushing her against the wall. While others watch on Maddie stepped in and told the girls to let her go. After she saw that she was ok while holding the girl in her arms she told the group, "Gwen is my friend and if you feel you have to tease her you will have to go through me." That day is one that makes me proud to do what I do and students like Maddie are an example of how we should all act." He took a breath as the crown erupted in applause and cheers.
"Well Maddie we have a surprise for you." He motioned to his assistant as Maddie watched her entire family come onto the stage including Gwen and her parents. She was overwhelmed and started shaking in disbelief. Lyndy immediately joined her sisters holding on tight to her and whispering into her ear to sooth her. He continued, "I have a certificate to read, it states,
To Madelline Louise Borden
On This Day We Would Like To Award You The
Alberta Downs Syndrome Association
Downs Syndrome Advocate Of The Year
For Going Above And Beyond
To Help A Member Of Our Downs Syndrome Community
We Are Proud To Have You
As A Recipient Of This Year's Award
The award was signed by the President of the Association and the Governor of Alberta. The crowd erupted again, and the family gather around the young girl with hugs, kisses, and pats on the back. For once in her life Maddie was speechless. She saw Gwen and they jumped into each other's arms. Then Gwen tugged on Ms. Addison arm and whispered into her ear. She went to the microphone," On behalf of the entire team of teachers I just want to say how proud we are of Maddie, but there is someone else who wants to say something." Gwen walked up to the podium as they adjusted the microphone, "I just want to say that Maddie is my best friend and I love her with all my heart. She is always there for me, and I hope that I can always be there for her. I will never forget what she did for me that day." The crowd went wild, and most were crying and clapping at the same time. It was a good day.
The event on Saturday went well. The Governor even showed up to give her the award and the media were there to cover it. The family was there and participated and since they couldn't raise funds in advance the Marion Flemming Equine Center as well as Fairfield and Maggie's made very charitable donations to the Association in Maddie's name. Of course after the event there was a party back at the Miracle Ranch, so family, friend and staff could celebrate together, Jack, Lisa, Ty, and Amy were sitting on the deck watching quietly over the activities when Ty said, "I love this family." The others shook their heads in agreement.