Chapter Forty-Five

Helping, University Program, Dance Recital

A/N – What a family, always there to help out when needed. Some may consider JT rather perceptive for 2 years old but I have seen examples of kids who have older siblings and are subjected to a lot of the adults that act much older without losing childhood naivety. I tried to have a lot of stuff about all of the kids in the last chapter so I hope I succeeded. A lot of family stuff on the way as well as new ventures in the business world. But the key theme of my story is the constant reminder of the story of Amy and Ty. They are the heart of this story and I will continue to focus a lot of the storyline on them. Enjoy

A routine for the Borden clan has set in with school, work and all the activities the kids were in. At dinner the conversation was focused on what was up with each of the kids. Science projects, barrel racing and the big dance recital were covered in depth. As usual Maddie had multiple things to talk about and JT just sat and listened. Amy looked at him and she asked, "What's up with you JT?" He smiled halfheartedly, "Not too much, I had fun fishing with GG and Max before he had to go back to his other home." Still not convinced, Lyndy inquired, "Is everything OK." He looked down and said, "Well, Brent told me that his daddy had a re something, I don't know the word," looking for help. Amy stepped in and pulled him into her lap. "Honey I talked to his mommy and his dad had a setback, which means he was not feeling well again. But I just talked to her before dinner and he is much better, in fact he was already heading home and the doctors were optimistic about him getting better." "Mommy what does that mean," he asked looking at her tentatively. "Well that means he that if he continues to get better, he may be able to go back to work. But he is still sick so we just need to pray for him." Amy smiled and hugged him. "Mommy can we pray for him now?" JT asked as his sisters and father misted up. Ty said, "Of course we can, do you want to do it." JT smiled nodding his head, "Dear Jesus, please help Brent's daddy to get better. They are nice people and really need their daddy now. Thank you Jesus." Everyone said Amen and Amy even hugged him tighter, "Honey that was a great prayer and I think we should all think about their family during our day with little prayers." JT smiled and said, "Amen."

The Board had an impromptu meeting because the Dean of the Equine Studies and the University of Calgary was ready to start the clinical program. They loved the paths created by Cass, Ellie and Steven and actually provided some additional enhancements to make them better. The plan was to cycle three groups of 6 students through the three paths. One covered Equine Vet services, another on Equine Surgical practices and the final working with Amy, Georgie, Katie and Lyndy on Equine Behavior practices. There would be a 4-week rotation for each section so the commitment was 3 months, which was a typical length for a clinical requirement. The program would be offered three times a year and initial interest was very high. The Heartland Equestrian Expereince had quite a reputation and the university staff was confident they would have to turn kids away. The plan was to start the first group in early February. The Board went over the program in detail. Although Scott and Ty were over it, Cass, Steven, Ellie, Amy, Katie and Georgie would be heavily involved. The beauty of the program is that it would lessen their workload and allow them to teach the students real life equine experience and treatments. They discussed the details and decided to have a group orientation in the newly renovated Miracle Ranch indoor arena. The students would receive a packet in advance that was developed by Cass and Ellie before so they could start the program running. Cass commented, "Scott and Ty, how amazing would this have been for us when we were in school." Ty agreed, "I know like Scott said my clinicals were kind of mundane and not much of a learning process. And Scott I figured it was so long ago, you probably don't remember." The group laughed as Scott and Amy smacked him in the arm.

The morning arrived and all three locations were abuzz in anticipation of the program's start. Clay was talking to Caleb and said, "You know between this and the youth program we are almost turning into a learning institution." Caleb smiled. "Maybe I can be Dr. O'Dell just like Cass." Clay laughed, "I don't think either of us are doctor material but we sure have smart partners." Caleb laughed patting his shoulder. The group was going to arrive at 9:00am and after an hour orientation / meet and greet, they would go to their first path. The students had already been briefed by the university and the staff along with Cass and Ellie. This was a less formal meeting. As the kids arrived they were seated in the lower part of the new bleachers. When the settled, Scott and Ty approached the microphone. Behind them was Amy with Spartan, Georgie with Phoenix, Katie with Pal, Steven. Ellie and Cass. The bleachers filled with many of the staff members also, as this group would be interacting with them during the 12-month program. As Ty stepped up to the mic the group settled, " Good morning everyone. Just to let you know we are very informal so I am Dr. Ty Borden but you can call me Ty. Next to me is Dr. Scott Cardinal who along with me will be overseeing this program along with everyone standing with me. Scott is a bit older so you may have to call him Dr. Cardinal." Everyone chuckled. "On the horses are my amazing wife and the Miracle Girl Amy Borden on Blaze, Olympic champion, Georgie Fleming Weber on Phoenix and Katie Fleming Morris on Pal. On Scott's side is Dr. Cassandra O'Dell, Dr Ellie Fisher and Dr. Steven Weber, who along with me are all graduates of the University of Calgary Vet Program. The people with me here, along with the staff in the stands are fully committed to provide you an enriching clinical experience. No question will be turned aside and we encourage you to provide your opinion or ideas. We have learned that our success as an organization is based on the openness we all share. You will be our family for the next 12 weeks and hope that you form lasting bonds with everyone around you."

Scott took over, "Before you all head to your first path let me take the time to thank Dr's Cass, Ellie and Steven for all the work they put into developing the three paths you will be cycling through. After the end of each section they will sit with each of you to debrief. Our intention is to continually improve and your feedback will be necessary to do that. Each day will start at 8:00am so you will be expected to be at your assigned location then. Our days will vary because in our business and is based on the needs of the horse and owner. Are there any questions?" On student timidly spoke up, "How will our progress be monitored." Cass took this one, "The team for each path will be responsible to fill out a weekly evaluation with the predetermined actions that are in your packet. If we see a gap we will work with you to close it and constant confirmation of accomplishment will be celebrated. This is an individual program but as we have said, we are successful because we are a team. I for one have learned so much working with this group. After school I wanted to be a one women show but learned soon by working with Scott and Ty that the whole is much more successful than the one." Amy interceded, "Guys our goal is to help you realize the equine care goes way beyond the physical and when you are finished we hope you realize that. It will make you more well-rounded and ultimately help you provide the most complete care you can."

The group smiled and highly applauded. Another question came from one of the female students. "I hope this isn't too personal but Amy, Cass and Georgie, how do you manage to do what you do with children. I hope to have a family and want to know how it impacts your work. Georgie spoke up. "Well as you may or may not know, Steven and I have 9-month-old very active twins. Having children is the most amazing thing you will ever do and husbands are Ok too." The group laughed. "But I can say that because of him and the rest of my family, I feel even more driven and successful. In our family many of us have individual successes but in reality my success is the success of everyone around me that I love. Family makes you stronger as a woman, not weaker." She finished with tears as the crowd erupted and she hopped down to hug Steven. Amy spoke next with her arm around Ty, "Well in my case as you most likely know Ty and I have 5 children, and one of them even has the Prime Minister as her BFF. And trust me Maddie will let you know. My strength comes from this guy next to me. We have been together for almost 25 years off and on and our children are a blessing. Everyday my drive and focus is supported by their love and support as well as the support of our entire family and the staff here who are our extended family. As a woman we need the support of them to help us be successful. I genuinely love my husband and my 5 children, they drive me to be the best that I can be," She leaned over and kissed Ty. Katie immediately added, "Just to let you all know, get used to the two of them carrying on, it happens a lot." They all laughed as Ty interceded, "Ok enough of that, it is time for all of you to head to your first path. We will take you there today but moving forward you will be expected to get there on you own. Good luck to all of you, we are really happy you are a part of our team. Now if you don't mind I am going to go make out with my wife for a while." Everyone laughed again heading out to their first day.

Each student quickly moved to their assigned path group. The first day Scott and Cass had a rather complex surgery planned so the group was thrown into the fire. The surgery took almost 4 hours but the 6 students couldn't get enough of it. Day one was a success for the surgical path. The group with Ty and Steven had a first day that was filled with multiple examinations and treatments. Amy was with them as well and showed how her side of Equine care mixed with what Ty and Steven were doing. The students had loads of questions which extended some of the exams but that was what they hoped for. Ty and Steven also let them participate in the exam for a hands-on experience. The students loved it and asked lots of questions, specifically about the combination of both the physical and herbal approaches. But as expected the third path would be one that was the most exciting for the group. Working at Heartland with Georgie and Katie was new to all of them. Gentling a horse, listening to them and determining what was emotionally wrong was enlightening. To this point in their education it was all textbook and seeing this approach made a lot of sense to them. Georgie talked about the horse she was working with, what the issue was and the environment she came from. One student spoke up, "What do you mean the environment." Katie spoke up as her sister looked on with admiration, "Well in order to help this horse we need to know what her home environment is like, the owners, stable, land, other horses, whatever is around her that may be affecting her." The group nodded understanding what she meant. If day one was an indication of the program's success they were well on their way.

Lyndy and the family were getting excited about her upcoming competition in Calgary. It was the weekend ahead and plans were in place. There were limited seats so along with her parent and her siblings the guest list had to be tapered down. She sat with her mom to talk about it. "We only have 12 additional tickets, I hate that I have to decide." She was tearing up as Amy held her, "Ok well there is GG and Lisa, Lou and Scott, Katie and Clay, Georgie and Steven, Grandpa Tim and Casey, and of course Wyatt so that is 11. Who else do you want to come." She reasoned, "Well I would like to ask Gwen because I know Maddie would like that. I would have asked Grandma June but." She stopped and Amy looked concerned, "Honey what is it." Lyndy tearfully looked at her mom, "Mom Grandma June is not doing well in fact she is going to have to go into the hospital. Mom they have no one and Wyatt doesn't even know where he is going to stay while she is there. Mom I want to help him so much." Ty walked in and noticed that they were having a discussion. Amy filled him in on Grandma June's illness. He hugged Lyndy and told her it would be Ok. "Well we will be there for both of them. If Wyatt need a place to stay, he can either stay with us or at Heartland. And we will make sure he gets to the hospital as much as he needs to." Amy added, "Let's do this, tomorrow tell Wyatt that we will bring dinner over for them and talk about what we plan to do. We want to make sure that she is Ok with what we want to do. Sound good?" Lyndy couldn't even speak as she embraced her amazing parents. She felt like the luckiest person alive.

With Wyatt's approval the entire family came over and shared dinner with him and his grandma. Grandma June was very happy with the offer and welcomed the help. Wyatt was beside himself and hugged both Amy and Ty as well as Lyndy. The kids were amazing in their support. Grandma June let them know that she would be going into the hospital tomorrow so Lyndy and Amy offered to help her get ready and take her and Wyatt there. While the kids cleaned up after dinner, Amy, Ty and Grandma June went into the lounge to talk. "Amy and Ty I can't thank you enough, I am really worried about Wyatt, he has been through so much already. That daughter of yours is his savior and now you are helping too." June whispered. Amy spoke up, "June we love your son, he is family and the relationship they have is precious. And the rest of the kids love him to death. We just want to make sure you are Ok with this arrangement. We don't want to impose." She smiled and hugged them both giving them her answer. The next day Amy picked up Wyatt and Lyndy from school and went to get Grandma June. They arrived at the hospital and got her settled. Amy left Lyndy with them and promised to come pick them both up at the end of visiting hours. When she got back home Annie approached her first. "How did it go mom, is she all settled." Addie and Maddie looked as well concerned about Wyatt's grandma. "Well she is settled in. Lyndy and Wyatt are going to stay until visiting hours are over. We will make sure he gets to see her every day after school and he will be staying in our guest room." Maddie spoke up, "You mean he is staying with us and Lyndy in the same house. I am going to have to keep an eye on them" Ty interrupted, "Girls we are here to help Wyatt and Lyndy through this so we need to support them in any way that we can. Remember how we all pitched in when we heard about GG. It is the same for them. Don't be rude, be helpful and considerate." They all smiled and hugged their parents. JT blurted out, "I love Wyatt, he is my friend." The girls all laughed and tickled him.

It was the night before the big recital and the family was abuzz at dinner. Wyatt had become a regular and the good news was that Grandma June was doing well. Unfortunately she was not ready to go home and in fact there was a consideration of assistive care after she leaves. Ty and Amy assured him and Lyndy that no matter what happened her always had a place to stay with them. Dinner conversation was focused on Lyndy's dance competition. Although her thoughts were with Wyatt she was ready and really looking forward to the event. Although she was only in 8th grade there were going to be several highly acclaimed dance focused high schools and even some university representatives looking at the talent. Sandra, Lyndy's teacher and Amy's friend had already been contacted about interest in several girls including Lyndy. Amy and Ty decided to wait to give her the details but they had a feeling she already knew. It was an early night for the twins, Maddie and JT but Ty and Amy sat with Lyndy and Wyatt in the lounge. Wyatt was updating everyone on his grandma but mostly they talked about tomorrow. Lyndy was excited and nervous. She was ready for the dance part but the pressure of a big crowd and people recruiting her was a little much. Amy told them a story, "After I came back from the Ring of Fire Tour, several companies and traveling shows tried to get me to sign up with them. I was honored but I was never into horses for the glitz and glamour." Ty interjected, "What mom is not telling you that it was also because of her looks, These companies saw a chance to sign an attractive horsey girl who could promote their brand which was their real reason. Luckily your mom got some great advice from her amazing boyfriend. I told her for you it was never about the money or the fame, it was always about the horse." Amy smiled and leaned into Ty, "He was right so I turned all the offers down. Grandpa Tim wasn't too happy but in the long run it worked out. Now time for bed, you two don't stay up to late." Ty added, "Lyndy I will check on you in a bit," looking over at Wyatt with a fatherly eye.

The morning of the competition was a flurry of activity. A quick breakfast led to packing up the car. Addie and Annie would be going with GG and Lisa so there was room for Wyatt and Gwen in Amy and Ty's SUV. Everyone who couldn't attend was able to watch it on live stream, even Grandma June thanks to the staff at the hospital. They had to arrive at 9:00am for sign in and the competition went from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Lyndy's first group dance was at 10:30. Her duet with Maya was right after a short lunch break at 12:30pm. Her solo performance was second to last at 4:00pm. After they arrived, and a quick kiss with Wyatt, Katie and Amy went with Lyndy to get ready. The family was excited and looking forward to the competition. As they sat in their section they were in awe of the spectacle and buzz in the auditorium. They could help but notice the press section which was filled with local and provincial news teams. Amy and Ty noticed the Sam and Alex from Good Morning Calgary and went over to say hello. What they didn't expect is the impromptu interview they were asked to have and couldn't help gushing over their daughter. The interview was about Lyndy as they wanted it to be but the host couldn't keep from asking about the new company and their interaction with the Prime Minister. Ty joked, "Well you need to talk to our daughter Maddie, she seems to be his pen pal." They both laughed saying. "Of course she is."

Lyndy was registered and the family was seated. The competition started right on time and the family, joined by Katie and Amy anxiously waited for her first performance. The group danced to and "Annie" song and did an amazing job. Lyndy looked beautiful and although biased Ty said she danced the best. At the end of the group competition awards were given out and Lyndy's group came in second. She was able to join them for a quick lunch but left a few minutes early for her duet. She was dancing with Maya to a contemporary song that had a mix of slow and fast sections. Lyndy and Maya were really in sync and were amazing. Maddie leaned over to her mom, "Mom look at her she is so beautiful and graceful. I never realized how good she was. I am so proud." Amy just smiled hugging her little girl. Amy looked over to Ty and his face was beaming. Ty couldn't help but notice how much she looked like Amy and at that point in time was the proudest father in the room. Amy clutched his hand tightly and kissed his cheek as Addie whispered, "Really you need to pay attention." They looked at her and kissed each other on the lips much to her displeasure. They had to painstakingly wait through the rest of the performances and finally the awards were announced. Much to their excitement, Lyndy and Maya came in second place and the families were cheering and clapping loudly. Sandra went to them and hugged them both raising their arms in the air. Since they had a long break some of the group went to stretch their legs. Lyndy came out to meet them with a big smile on her face. She hugged Wyatt, her parents and everyone else. The family was so proud of her.

Wyatt was able to get some time alone with Lyndy as they huddled at a table in the lounge area. The family left them alone as Wyatt smiled, "Lyndy you were so amazing and you look beautiful. I don't think I could ever do something like that. You should have seen your mom and dad, they were about to burst. They really love you and are so proud of you, and so am I." Lyndy hugged him and whispered into his ear, "Wyatt I know we are young but you are the most important person in my life and I love you." Wyatt's face was bright with a smile and hugged her tightly. Ty and Amy glanced over and saw the interaction. "Ty look, Lyndy said something to him and he looks like he is the happiest boy in the world. He looks like you when we told each other we loved each other for the first time at the fishing cabin." Ty's eyes opened wide with concern and she grabbed his face, "Chill Dr. Borden, let them be." She distracted him with a passionate kiss on the lips. When they stopped they saw two little girls staring at them as Gwen and Maddie huffed and walked away. Georgie spoke up, "You two need to cool your jets, like you have an almost 14-year-old." Lou added, "I know you two really…" The group laughed as Lyndy and Wyatt walked back to the group. Lyndy asked, "What's up?" The group laughed as JT blurted out, "Mommy and Daddy were kissing again." Again the group laughed and Lyndy felt so lucky to have them all here. Their love and Wyatt drove her to be the best she could.

It was time for Lyndy's solo performance. As she watched the other performers she went through her routine in her head. She was nervous but also calm in a way. When it was her turn she took her position on the dark stage. The music started and the soft lighting came on. All the love in her life help her move through her routine with smoothness and confidence. When the tempo picked up she had a smile on her face as she glided and smoothly jumped as she moved on the stage. Amy and Ty had both of their hands clasped and were amazed at the beauty of the dance and their daughter. The rest of the family were watching in silence with several of them misty eyed. Ty glance over to Wyatt and saw a look that was familiar to him. It was the same look he head when he looked at Amy. She laid her head on his shoulder as tears flowed. She had never been so proud of her amazing daughter. As the music stopped after a delay the entire auditorium erupted. Maya brought flowers out to her friend and several flowers were tossed onto the stage. The crowd stood for several minutes and Lyndy smiled at Wyatt and her mom and dad. After the last dancer everyone was on edge. The competition was very tough but Lyndy know she did the best she could. As the recital director came to the podium she felt as if she couldn't breathe.

He spoke, "I want to thank everyone for attending the competition today and thank all of the competitors, who were amazing. Don't you all agree?" As the crowd burst into applause. "Well let's get to the solos dance results." He worked his way down to the final two, Lyndy and the girl that followed her who was a past champion. The held each other as the waited for the result and because they couldn't stand on their own. "And the winner is Lyndy Marion Borden!" After just a few seconds which seemed like hours the crowd erupted in applause. Lyndy put her hands over her eyes as tears flowed. Amy and Ty screamed in joy hugging each other and like everyone else in the family burst into tears. Wyatt stood in silence with a huge smile on his face. Annie, Addie and Maddie saw him and ran over to him putting him in a huge group hug. They were all jumping and laughing as Lyndy looked over to them. She loved them all with her whole heart. She looked at the rest of the family, especially GG who stood proudly smiling at her. Then she focused on her parents and after the announcer ended the ceremony she ran to them as if her feet weren't touching the stage floor. She jumped into their waiting arms with no words being said. She whispered in their ears, "I love you so much." Ty was the first to be able to answer, "Honey you were so beautiful and we love you more every day. You are our light and we are so proud of you." Amy finally was able to speak, "Baby, I know grandma and great grandma are so happy right now."

As a surprise to everyone Jack and Lisa had dinner reservations for the group at a nearby restaurant. As they arrived and got seated Ty got a video call from Lilly and Max and gave it to Lyndy. "Lyndy we watched your performance on the live stream and we are so proud of you." Lilly said with tears in her eyes. Max continued, "Honey, you were so amazing and so beautiful. We just had to call you and congratulate you. Enjoy your night and we will see you soon." Lyndy thanked them for their call and burst into tears again. The server brought a box of Kleenex for the table with a smile on his face. The group enjoyed a very nice celebration dinner and the conversation was all about Lyndy's amazing performance. Wyatt sat at the table next to her holding her hand under the table. He quietly watched as Lyndy excitably talked about the competition with a look of pride and love. Ty glanced over to him and motioned for him to come with him. He rose and walked with Ty to an outside area. "Wyatt, Amy and I want to thank you for being a part of Lyndy's life. We think you are an amazing young man and are so happy you are in our life as well as hers," Ty said with a smile. Lyndy and Amy saw them on the deck and went out to join them. Amy inquired, "What's up here some male bonding?" Wyatt answered, "No just getting some fresh air, not a lot of female energy in there and we needed a breather." Lyndy reached over and gave him a hug. "Well I am missing my two favorite men so are you coming back in" Amy looked at Ty not needing to ask him what they talked about. They walked in arm in arm to the table feeling like there life couldn't be better.