Chapter 1: Here Comes the Twins
It has been six months since Amy was told that she was pregnant and one month since she found out she was going to have twin boys. Most of the shock of finding out she was going to have twins is over, but the preparation for twin boys has just begun. Lyndi has been a huge help since Amy has had to reduce her activities due to a few complications with her pregnancy.
Today, they are fixing up the nursery that Lou had used for Katie. "Mom, how do you want to arrange this furniture so that we can accommodate two cradle beds?"
Amy, "What do you think about putting one bed on this wall and the other over there?" Lyndi, "That sounds great, now all we have left to do is get the rocker in and we will be done. I can't wait mom; This is going to be so exciting."
Amy: "Lyndi, you have been so supportive and helpful, I don't know how I would have done this without you."
Ty and Lisa come into the room and begin to surveil the surrounding. Lisa notices a blanket draped over one of the cribs that she had gotten Katy when She and Lou setup the nursery for her and said, "Guys, where did you find that blanket? I got that for Katy when she was a baby!"
Amy responds, "Lisa, we found this in the linens with the old baby bed. How gorgeous is it?"
Lisa, "It sure is and it matches so well. I need to try and get another to match for the twins.
Ty is going through some of the things that were set around the room and the fact that he was not only going to be a father, but a father of two boys left him a bit overwhelmed, so he grabs Amy and brings her in close. "I am so excited about the babies; I just don't know what to say. I love you Amy, I love you to the moon and back."
Amy not missing a cue grabs hold of Ty's neck and as she gives him a big kiss she says, "Ty our lives are about to really change. Three kids are going to be challenging, but thankfully we will be raising them here at Heartland.
Ty responds, "Just like we planned it, hey!" Amy, laughing, "Only to the Moon!"
Lisa, "Have you guys given much more thought to their names? Ty, "I was thinking Tyler Borden, Jr.!"
Amy, "Ty, there are two guys in here. You can't have one a name sake and another with just a name. That will ruin them for life!"
Ty, "I know, but it sounds so good."
Lisa, "What other names have you considered?"
Amy, "We like Tyson, Timothy, and Jackson. It would be great to name one Timothy Jackson. That would make two men in this family quite happy."
Lisa, "Why not Timothy Jackson, and you can call him TJ and name the other Tyson Tyler. That way you make everyone happy!"
Ty, "Hey, I like that!"
Lyndi chimes in, "I love TJ. I can see me calling him. TJ get out of the cookies. TJ get up!" Amy, "Well, we do have some time to think about it. Those are definite considerations."
That evening as the family was finishing up dinner, Amy was feeling a bit crampy from what she thought were the day's activities. She had gained much more weight with the twins than with Lyndi so she thought that was a normal part of the pregnancy. Having just seen the doctor, she didn't think it was necessary to get it checked, so she just accepted the cramping as part of it.
Lyndi, watching her mom struggle a bit, asks, "Mom, are you ok? You have been rubbing your stomach and fidgeting all night. What is going on? "
Amy, not trying to alarm anyone told her, "It's ok honey I am cramping a bit, but that is probably due to the extra pounds I am having to lug around. Your brothers are going to be big strong boys if this weight has anything to do with it!"
Lyndi, "We are going to need them to help out around here at Heartland!"
Amy, "You know it. I think I am going to lay down for a few minutes, can you guys finish up the dishes?"
Ty, "Sure, Amy. Why don't you go and lay down. We got this! Lyndi, can you bring up the dishes and I will start washing them."
Lyndi, "Dad, why don't we use the dishwasher. I think it is crazy we still wash dishes when we have a very good dishwasher right here!"
Ty, "Ok, Let's give it a try!"
Amy slowly getting up and really feeling out of sorts, heads toward the bedroom when all of the sudden she buckles over and cries out, "Ty, Ty, I think something is wrong. I am cramping up real bad." Ty running over to assist Amy helps her to the couch, but Amy is resisting and becoming very restless. "Ty, you need get me to the hospital, something is seriously wrong" At this time Amy has caught the attention of Jack and he immediately gets the truck and bring it around to the front. However, Amy is becoming very lethargic . So Ty not wasting any time, picks up Amy into his arms and brings her to the truck.
Ty, "Jack, can you and Lisa watch Lyndi while Amy and I go get checked out?"
Lyndi, "No, Dad! I want to go with you to the hospital. You might need some help along the way and I need to be there!"
Ty, "Ok, let's go! Let's get mom in the back seat."
Ty is speeding towards the hospital in Calgary. He asks Lyndi to dial Dr Jones and tell her that we are taking Amy to the hospital. Lyndi gets her on the phone and begins to relay what Ty had told her when Dr. Jones responds," Lyndi, put you dad on the speaker. Ty tell me exactly what happened."
Ty responds, "Well, Amy has been cramping all day and tonight she buckled over and is in a lot of pain. She has been lethargic since the pain came on strong tonight."
Dr Jones, "Sounds like she is trying to have those babies. Did her water break?" Ty, "Not really sure."
Dr. Jones. "Let's get her checked in and I will meet you guys there. Ty, try not to worry. We knew we might have issues with getting these babies delivered."
Lyndi taking it all in begins to pray for her mother and the babies. Ty, looking in the mirror sees Lyndi's hand upon Amy stomach with her eyes closed and says, "Lyndi, that is a great idea. We need to ask God to protect mom and the babies."
After she finished, she responded, "Dad, God has never let me down. He brought you back to us and now he will protect mom and my brothers."
Ty, getting a bit emotional respond, "Lyndi, your faith is so infectious. I feel we are in good hands."
As Ty turns into the emergency entrance there are several nurses and Dr. Jones waiting with a gurney to receive Amy. As they take Amy from the back seat, they can see that she is really in destress and semi‐conscious. Dr. Jones, "Guys we have it from here, why don't you and Lyndi go to the waiting room and I will come get you after I have assessed the problem."
In the waiting room Ty paces the floor as Lyndi is patiently sitting awaiting for some answers. Lyndi, "Dad, why don't you call home and give them a report. I know we don't know anything yet, but I think it would ease their minds if they heard from you."
Ty, "Good Idea, I can't stand this waiting. I need to do something anyway." So Ty makes a call to the house where Jack picks up the phone. "Jack, we made it to the hospital and we are waiting to hear from the doctor Amy's status. I just wanted to check in and keep you posted."
Jack, "Ty, is there anything we can do?"
Ty, "Not yet, let's get the report from the doctor and we will go from there."
Jack, "Great, I will wait to call the rest of the family until we know what is going on."
About an hour passes when Dr. Jones comes into the waiting room to discuss Amy's prognosis. Ty, "Dr Jones so what is going on?"
Dr. Jones, "Well it looks like your boys want to come out early. We need to keep Amy in bed to see if we can slow down the delivery. We have given her something to reduce the cramping, but we need to keep her in bed. That is a must."
Ty, "Can we go and see her?"
Dr. Jones, "Just for a few. We want to keep her overnight to observe her, and we have given her something to relax her pain."
Ty and Lyndi walk down the hall towards the Amy's room. Lyndi, "Dad I don't think mom is going to like the idea of staying in bed until the boys come."
Ty, "We are going to have to convince her to stay put and tell her that we will handle all the chores she usually does."
Lyndi. "I can definitely do that. I will make sure all the Heartland horses are cared for and help with maintaining the barns."
Ty, "That's great Lyndi, but school comes first, so make sure you prioritize your schedule."
As they enter the room Amy was dozing in and out of sleep. When she sees Ty and Lyndi she perked up and says, "Ty, what is happening! Are the boys ok!" Ty, pulling up to the side of the bed grabs Amy's hand and kisses her on the forehead. Lyndi goes to the other side and grabs her other hand.
Ty, "Amy, all is ok. You and the boys are doing fine. However, Dr Jones has ordered you to stay in bed until you reach term. It appears that the boys want to come home early, and we need to slow down the delivery. Dr. Jones has ordered some medicine that will slow down delivery and help the cramps to subside. You will have to stay here tonight so they can observe you".
Amy, "Ty, I want to go home! Can you ask her to let me go home‽"
Ty. " Amy, you don't understand, you have to stay in bed. This is serious and we should do
as Dr. Jones says."
Amy, realizing that her request will not happen turns her attention to Lyndi. "Honey, I am so sorry if I scared you tonight."
Lyndi responds, "Mom, I was scared until I said a prayer and asked God to protect you and the boys. Then, I realized that you were in God's hands."
Amy, "Lyndi you are our Angel. Thank you for that. And, I love you so, so much!" Lyndi, "Mom, Dad and I talked, and we are prepared to pick up the slack while you are confined to your bed so don't worry about anything, ok? "
Amy, "Thank you honey. You have been so supportive during this pregnancy. I don't know what I would do without you."
Ty, "Amy, Lyndi and I are going back to heartland so you can get some sleep. We will be back in the morning. I love you."
Lyndi, "Mom, you need your rest. We got this! I love you!"
Lyndi and Ty leave the room and start their walk back to the truck. Ty, "Lyndi, I love you so much. You are so much like your mother I can't begin to tell you! Your strength and faith has given me so much encouragement since my accident, that I feel God has touched your life in a special way. He definitely, is working through you to help me better understand His presence."
Lyndi, "Dad, it makes me so happy to hear you say that. I love you, too.!
Chapter 2: The Delivery
Amy settles back and takes a deep breathe. Then, the worst cramp she has had so far grips her body and she yells out at the top of her voice, "Ty, Ty, something is happening, help me!" Ty almost to the door, hears Amy's cry and turns around running back to the room. There he is greeted by Dr. Jones and the station nurse rushing to see what is happening.
Dr. Jones, "Sally, I think she is going into labor, let's get her to the operating room, I think we are going to have to take the babies tonight!" Sally, immediately understands the orders and starts to prep Amy for delivery. Dr. Jones turns to Ty and Lyndi and says, "Guys, looks like the boys are ready to come. It is a bit early, but we are going to do everything to make sure everyone is safe. I need you guys to go back to the waiting room and I will come and get you when we finish the procedure."
Ty, now holding Amy's hand says, "We are here Amy, looks like we are going to see the boys tonight! Lyndi and I are here! We love you!" Sally ushers Lyndi and Ty out of the room and points them to the waiting room.
In the waiting room, Lyndi settles in and begins to pray for her mother and brothers. Ty, watching, decides to join in and holds Lyndi's hand. Lyndi, "Dad, everything is going to be alright, it is in God's hands now!"
Ty is trying to hold back his emotions grabs Lyndi and embraces her. "Lyndi, how do you stay so strong? You are amazing!"
For the next few hours Ty and Lyndi waited to hear from Dr. Jones. Ty calls Jack and Lisa at Heartland to bring them up to date. Jack, "Ty, thanks for the call and the update. Do you need us to come up there and pick up Lyndi?"
Ty, "No, Jack. We are ok. However, it looks like we are going to be parents again tonight. I think Dr. Jones is delivering the twins."
Jack, "That is a little soon, isn't it?"
Ty, "Yes, they are going to have to perform a Cesarian and keep the babies in the NICU for a while. We have been praying that all goes well tonight."
Jack, "We are going to wrap things up here and head your way. I am sure Lou and Tim will want to be there too!"
Ty, "Good enough, I will see you guys soon."
Jack and Lisa were rushing to put things up so they could head to the hospital. Jack, "Lisa looks like we are going to be great grandparents tonight. I am so excited for those
three."
Lisa, "They have sure been through a lot over the past years... I hope this will be a turning point in their lives.
Jack, "I can't help to think that these boys coming this early might be a bit challenging for them.
Lisa, "Whatever happens we will be there for them every step of the way, ah." Jack, "You are so right!"
Lou, Peter, and Katie were just finishing supper when the phone rings. Lou answered the phone and on the other end Jack says, "Lou, great news. The twins are coming right now. Ty and lyndi are at the hospital in Calgary and Lisa and I are headed that way.
Amy is having a C section and is in delivery now." Lou, "Grandpa, that is too soon, what happened?"
Jack, "She was feeling bad this evening and all of the sudden buckled under and Ty and Lyndi rushed her to the hospital. That is all we know."
Lou, "We will meet you there!"
Tim was watching the hockey game when the call came in. Jack, "Tim, looks like the twins are coming tonight. Lisa, Lou, Katie, and I are headed to the hospital in Calgary. They are doing emergency surgery to take the babies."
Tim, "Jack, that's not good... It is too early."
Jack, "Well, the twins don't know that, and they are coming. You meet us at the hospital."
One by one the family arrives at the hospital ... First Lou and Katie, then Jack and Lisa, and finally Tim. Waiting in the room are Ty and Lyndi.
Tim, "So what do we know?"
Ty, "Amy is still in delivery and it has been about two hours. Haven't been updated." Tim, "Well, let's get an update, now! Where is that doctor?"
Jack, "Tim. You just got her and have already started trouble... Just sit down and when they are finished, they will let us know."
Tim, "Sit down! No! I need to know what is going on with my daughter!"
Ty, "Tim, please. Sit down. The doctor is with Amy right now delivering our boys!"
Ty couldn't help to think that it was taking longer that he expected. Looking clearly a bit concerned he leaned over to Lyndi and said, "I could use a bit of prayer right now." Lyndi, "Sure Dad, give me your hand." And the next few minutes Lyndi said a silent prayer for her mom, dad, and the boys.
As Lyndi was finishing up Dr. Jones came around the corner and into the waiting room. All the family gathered around and Lyndi kept a clutch on Ty's hand.
Dr. Jones, "Well it has been a rough night. First the babies. Both are doing well but premature. We have them in the NICU under observation. They are a bit distressed considering their age, but it looks like they are doing well for the moment."
Ty taking a deep sigh asks, "What about Amy. How is my wife doing?"
Dr. Jones, "Amy on the other hand had a very rough delivery. Even though we sedated her and did a Cesarian, she bled out pretty much. We had to do a few things to get her stable, so she is resting now in recovery. She should be fine. However, her recovery might take a little longer."
Ty, feeling relieved asked, "When can we see her?"
, "If you would like I can take you to recovery but she is really groggy. Why don't you and Lyndi come with me."
As Ty and Lyndi head down the hall. The family is still filled with questions. Lisa, "When can we see the babies?"
Lou, "I think Amy needs me."
Tim, "Let's ask the nurse if we can go see the twins."
Jack, "Just hold your horses, Lisa. Let Ty go to Amy. When he gets back, I am sure we will get all our questions answered."
Lyndi and Ty follow Dr. Jones into the recovery room and Amy is lying still on the bed with tubes going everywhere. She was breathing on a ventilator and all the sounds from the machines that were connected to her were sounding off.
Dr. Jones, "Ty, Lyndi it looks worse than it is. Like I said she had a rough delivery and we had to take some aggressive measures to pull them all through."
Ty, "What aggressive measures!"
Dr. Jones, "Amy lost a lot of blood and went into cardiac arrhythmia. We had to keep her there while we delivered the babies, then had to shock her heart to get it back to normal. It took several attempts, so the aftereffects are just the precautions you see right now. In the morning we should be able to get her off everything so she can fully recover.
Ty, leaning over to Amy kisses her forehead and grabs her hand. He whispers, "Amy, the boys are good. You are good just taking some precautions. We love you. Look Lyndi is right here. She and I have been praying for you and the boys all night. The whole family is here to see you and the twins. We love you!"
As Ty is speaking, Amy's eyes begin to water up and she grabs Ty arm. She was trying to tell him something but is unable to speak because of the vent. She becomes noticeably frustrated, and the doctor says, "Ty, Let's give her some rest. We will pull the vent out in the morning, and she will be able to speak to you. Why don't you go and get some rest?" Ty, nervously responds, "Doctor, I understand, but I don't want to leave her side. We don't want to leave her side. She needs us here. I can tell." So, Dr. Jones informs the staff to allow Ty and Lyndi to stay with Amy through the night.
Sitting next to Amy, Ty reaches over to Lyndi and says, "Lyndi, come over here and hold your mom's hand. I need to go let the guys know what the status is." Lyndi pushes her chair over to grab hold of her mother's hand and as she does, Amy squeezes it.
Lyndi, " Mom, you did great. You are going to be alright! I know it! And the boys are going to be fine too!" Amy squeezes her hand again to acknowledge her comment.
Ty is heading down the hall to the waiting room where the family is getting a bit impatient.
Tim, "Ty, what the hell! What is going on."
Ty, "Amy has had a rough delivery and they have her on a ventilator. She had a cardiac event during the delivery and as a precaution they are monitoring her heart very closely. Also, she lost a lot of blood, so she is very weak. However, she is responding, and the twins are in the nursery being tended to."
Lou, "Ty, the babies are early. What is the status?"
Ty, "Lou, not real sure except for what the doctor said. They are doing ok, but we won't be able to bring them to Heartland for another 30 to 45 days. They are going to setup a schedule for us to come and visit them during that period, but we won't have that until tomorrow. So I think you guys should go on back home and get some rest. We will know more tomorrow and Amy will be off the monitors."
Jack, "Ty do you want us to take Lyndi?"
Ty laughing, "She isn't going anywhere. She wants to be with her mom."
Jack, "Good enough. We will see you tomorrow."
Everyone begins to leave the hospital except for Lou who stays behind. "Ty, are you sure there is nothing more you need to tell us?
Ty, "Lou, no, that is all I have. It has been a rough night for her and the twins, but I think the worst is over.
Lou, "Great, I will be back tomorrow."
Ty goes back to the room where Lyndi has crawled up on the bed next to Amy and has fallen asleep. Trying not to wake them, Ty settles into the chair and grabs Amy's hand. Having never really prayed before, Ty begins to thank God for taking care of his family during this time. He also, continues to ask for recovery in the future. Then, as he begins to feel the presence of the Spirit, he begins to ask God to give him the faith that Lyndi has. He feels a peace overcome his body that he can't explain, and he dozes off to sleep.
The next morning Ty and Lyndi are awaken by the doctor. "Guys, we need a few minutes to get Amy off of these machines and pull her vent. Also, we are going to move her to a new suite in the NICU where you guys can have the twins in the room with you while they are in incubation. Why don't you go down to the cafeteria and get something to eat and drink? This will take about an hour to get everything done and moved. "
Ty grabs Amy's hand and says, "Amy, we will see you up there. I love you!"
Lyndi, "I love you too, Mom." Ty and Lyndi leave the room as the doctor and nurses prepare to move Amy.
In the cafeteria Lyndi says, "Dad, I can't wait to see the twins. I am so excited that I can hardly eat."
Ty, "Lyndi, I remember when you were born. We were in the loft and your mother delivered you naturally. You were so pretty and perfect and I was so proud.
Remember, your brothers arrived a bit early, so don't be alarmed when you see them." Lyndi, "I understand."
Ty thinking back on the nights events said, "Man, what a night, huh? You were so strong Lyndi, I really am so proud of how you handled last night's events. I want to tell you that when you were laying with Mom, I said a prayer and asked God to protect us through this journey and a peace came over me like I have never felt before."
Lyndi, "Dad, I know what you mean. When I prayed for you and mom, God gave me the comfort that everything was going to be alright. Even when things got tough. How great is that!"
Ty, "Pretty great! Hey, let's get up to the room and meet our new family members." Lyndi, "Race you there!"
Ty, "Lyndi, no running in the halls!" As he takes off towards the room in a trot laughing.
Chapter 3: Welcoming the Twins
Lyndi burst into the room, then Ty as they raced each other down the hall. There Amy was sitting up sipping on some water when she says, "Guys, what are you doing? Don't you ever stop messing around?"
Lyndi, "Well, Dad wanted to race me to the room!" Ty laughing, "Come on Lyndi, it was your idea!" Amy, "You guys!"
Lyndi, "Were are the twins?"
Amy, "They are going to bring them up in a few minutes." Lyndi, "I can't wait to see them."
Ty, "Amy, you know we need to decide on their names. We don't want to not name them like your dad did with his horse!"
Amy, "I thought once we saw them it will be easier to name them!"
Ty, "Are we still thinking Timothy Jackson and Tyson Tyler? I love those names!" Lyndi, "I do too. We can call Timothy TJ!"
Amy, "I think we can settle on those names, we just have to choose which one gets which name."
Two nurses with incubators roll into the room and set them up in the special monitoring area of the room. The lead nurse gives instructions on how to care for the babies while they are incubated. "For the next few days you can only touch them through the incubator. You can put your arms in here and rub them softly. You also need to speak to them. It is soothing for them to hear a voice. Especially the ones who have been around them during the pregnancy. I will leave you guys with them. If you need us just press this button.
Remember we are monitoring them from the nurses station."
Lyndi and Ty go over to the twins and are looking Intently at each one. Lyndi, Dad they are so small. I wish I could hold them"
Ty, "Lyndi look at their little Hands and feet. I remember when you were little I could not get over your little hands and feet. You would grab on to my finger and hold it. Try it. Put your hands in the sleeves and see it he will grab your finger." So Lyndi puts her arms into the sleeves then, maneuvers her hand to his. "Dad, look he is grabbing my finger! How cool. Let me try with the other." Lyndi goes to the other incubator and does the same.
Unfortunately, she did not get any response.
Lyndi responds, "Ok, I think this one is Tyson and the one who grabbed my finger is TJ. What do you think?"
Amy still too weak to get up by herself say, "Ty, can you help me to the wheelchair, I want to come over and see." Ty grabs the wheelchair and eases Amy into the seat. He pushes her over to the twins. Amy looks intently into the incubators and begin to sob.
Ty, "What is wrong, Amy?"
Amy, "I am so overwhelmed with joy and sadness. I am so happy to have the twins here, but sad that I had to deliver them early."
Ty, "Amy, you don't need to be sad about the early delivery. You know it happens like this sometimes. It is not your fault. So what do you think about Lyndi's choice? "
Amy laughing, "TJ does kind of look like dad."
Ty, "Then that settles it. He is TJ and the other is Tyson. All three huddle around the wheelchair for a long group hug.
It was a little around lunch when the family began to arrive. Amy was sitting up in bed and Ty and Lyndi each had an incubator and was stroking the twins through the sleeves. Lou and Katy were the first to arrive. Lou, "Amy, I am so happy for you guys. I know that you can't wait to get them home.
Amy, "I can wait to be able to hold them. They said it could be 30 to 45 days before the will be allowed out of incubation."
Ty, "Amy I think we will be able to hold them before that." Amy, "I sure hope so."
Katy, "So what are their names?"
Lindy, "This one that I am stroking is Timothy Jackson. We are calling him TJ and the one that dad has is Tyson Tyler."
Lou, "Wow you name TJ after dad and grandpa. They are going to be so excited."
Lou hugging Amy, "So how are you doing? I understand you had quite an experience delivering the twins."
Amy, "I am quite sore, but feel pretty good. Just a bit overwhelmed with all this, you know!"
Lou, "I don't know how you do it Amy. You have been put in some really stressful circumstances and you always seem to have things work out for you."
Amy, "Well, it doesn't hurt to have Lyndi praying over you day and night. Right Lyndi?" Lyndi, not skipping a beat, "Right, Mom!"
Lou, "That is pretty awesome!"
About that time Tim, Jack and Lisa come into the room. Jack goes over to Amy and gives her a huge hug.
Ty announces, "We have a special announcement we want to make now that you guys are here. We decided to name one of the twins Timothy Jackson. We are going to call him TJ. Tim, Jack, you guys have been such an influence in our lives we wanted to honor you with a name sake."
Tim, "I am so proud of you two and how you have handled the obstacles in your lives. I am overwhelmed and don't know what to say except thank you."
Jack, "That is quite the jester. Thank you. You know, you could just call him Jack." Tim laughing, " Jack, we should call him Tim. Heck, look at him. He looks like me!"
Amy, "Guys, be serious. We really wanted to do something special for you and naming one of the twins with both of your names seemed fitting.
Tim, "You know, you could have named one Jack and the other Tim. I am just saying!" Amy, laughing, "We could have not named them after you guys at all! How's that!
The nurse comes in and says, "Guys we need to let Amy get some rest." The family gave their last goodbyes and headed out the door. Lisa asked, "Lyndi, why don't you come with
us and we can get you fed and you can freshen up."
Ty,"Lyndi that is a great idea.. You have been here since yesterday. I will follow you guys after I have a few minutes with your mom." Lyndi agrees and leaves with Jack and Lisa back to Heartland.
Lisa, "Lyndi, they are so cute. You are going to have a lot of fun raising those two with your mom and dad."
With just Amy and Ty in the room Ty goes over to the bed and lays down with Amy and hugs her.. "Amy. I am so proud and thankful that you gave us twins. I didn't think I could love you anymore than I do, but you always seem to bring my love to another level."
Amy, "Ty, I am so happy that I can share my life with you. I really look forward to growing our little family. And how about our Lyndi. How special is she!"
Ty, "I know. To be so young and to be so mature. She is so special. You know Amy, I prayed by myself for the first time yesterday asking God to make sure everything turns out all right. At that moment, I had this peace about me that everything was going to be ok. Just like Lyndi had when she prayed over you in the car. I can't explain it, but it is an awesome experience."
Amy, "Ty, when you were in the coma, Lyndi and I would kneel by her bed and say a prayer every night that you would come back to us. I got the same feeling of hope that you are talking about."
Ty, "That is pretty awesome! So, I am going to go freshen up at Heartland. You get some sleep and we will be back this evening."
Ty embraces Amy and gives her a huge kiss. Then leaves the room to go to heartland. Amy settles in and immediately falls asleep.
Chapter 4: The Homecoming (Twins)
For the past month Ty, Amy, and Lyndi were consumed with visiting and caring for the twins in the hospital NICU waiting for them to mature enough to bring them home.
While the time was for the most part uneventful, Amy was really struggling with post‐ partum depression. Her mood swings were very severe. One minute she would be filled with joy. Then next minute, she would be in sobbing uncontrollably. Ty and Lyndi did their best to take some of the burden of caring for the twins off her shoulders and providing comforting support as she processed through the moods.
On one visit Ty mentioned to Amy, "Dr. Jones said that your depression was to be expected due to all the complications with the birth of the twins but would probably pass within a few months. Why not allow her to prescribe something for you?"
Amy, "I do not want any medicine to help me get over this . I would rather fight through this on my own!"
Ty, "Amy, you don't need to fight this when there are very safe medications that can ease the depression."
Amy, "I am not going to take anything and that is final!"
Ty realized that Amy was not going to budge at this point on her position so he decides to leave it alone.
Two weeks later Dr. Jones met Ty and Lyndi at the nursery and asked, "Are you guys ready to hold the twins?" Without hesitation Ty responds, "Heck ya!"
Lyndi, "Dad, this is going to be great!" So they took the babies from the incubators and handed Ty Tyson and Lyndi was given TJ to hold. Mesmerized Lyndi said, "Dad, How great is this. I wish mom could be here to hold them. Do you think we should call her?"
At that moment, Ty realized that they should have included Amy in on this event with the twins and with her depression moods, he knew Amy would be upset that they did not wait for her. Ty responds, "Lyndi, I am not sure we need to tell your mom anything about this. Right now she is really going through some emotional swings and I think we should hold off and bring her here tomorrow to hold the twins. We just don't want to say we got to hold them first. It will be our secret, ok?"
Lyndi, "Dad, you know how mom is about secrets, but I do understand. Let's make this
a big surprise for her tomorrow."
Ty, "Sounds like a great idea. What should we do?"
Lyndi, "How about we bring her up here tomorrow and blindfold her. Then sit her down and bring both babies to her to hold."
Ty, "That could be fun! You know she has only seen them through these cases, so having her first look holding the babies will be so special."
So the next day they packed up Amy into the truck and went to the hospital. Lyndi, so excited to surprise her mom said, "Mom. We have a huge surprise for you today but you have to be blindfolded before we get to the nursery."
Amy, "Now Lyndi, you know I don't like surprises!" Lyndi, "Well, you are going to like this one!"
Ty laughing, "Your right!"
As they arrived at the nursery Ty put on the Amy's blindfold and led her to the nursery. They sat her down in the rocker beside the crib cases and took TJ and Tyson out of their cribs and put them in each of Amy's arms. They then took off the blind fold. Ty, "Amy, let me introduce Tyson and T.J. Borden." Amy begins to well up with excitement and is looking over each baby like a mare would her new born colt. This was the first time Amy was able to hold these two babies that she had given birth to.
Amy looked at Ty, "Ty, they are so perfect. Our boys! How did you know that we would be able to hold them?"
Lyndi chimed in, "Well, we were going to keep it a secret, but we were able to hold them yesterday when dad and I came up here."
Ty, "Lyndi, so much for secrets, huh!"
Amy, "That's ok Lyndi. I am just so happy that I am able to hold these guys it doesn't matter if I wasn't the first, Ty!"
Ty, "You see, I told you!"
Amy, Ty, and Lyndi took turns holding and cuddling the boys until it was time to leave.
Later in the afternoon, before they were about to leave Dr. Jones came in and said, "Guys. Are you ready to bring TJ and Tyson home. They have made great progress and I think they are in good shape to leave the hospital and take their place in this world!
Are you ready?"
At the same time Lyndi, Amy and Ty said, "Yes!"
Dr. Jones, "Well all right then. Let me get together the discharge papers and we will get them out of her today."
Ty looked at Amy, who now is very overwhelmed with emotion, and says, "Amy, are YOU ready to take them home?"
Amy, "I have been waiting for this moment for some time. I think if we can get them back to Heartland, I will be able to settle down this depression and get back to some normal routines. So YES, I am ready."
The first problem they faced with the twins was transportation. Not really thinking through the issue, they immediately realized that the truck that had provided such great transportation did not have enough room to handle their new family. On the way home Ty said, "Amy, why didn't we consider that we were going to need a new vehicle to carry our family? This truck is just not big enough for all of us."
Amy, "You are right Ty. I think we need to consider getting an SUV to handle our family transportation. How great is that! One day we have three, now we have five!"
Ty, "How about I get you guys settled at Heartland and I will go and look for a vehicle." Amy, "That sounds great. Lyndi and I will settle Tyson and TJ into their nursery. Is that
ok with you Lyndi?"
Lyndi, "Sure mom. Can't wait to get them home and start playing with them!"
So Ty unloaded the truck while Amy and Lyndi brought the boys into their nursery.
In the nursery stood Jack, Lisa, and Lou waiting to see the babies and hold them for the first time. Jack, "There you guys are. Amy give me a look at that beautiful boy. Lisa, look here. Amy is this Tyson or TJ? I bet this is TJ, he looks like me!"
Amy, "Grandpa, this is Tyson, Lyndi has TJ. And, they ARE identical so I am not sure you can go by that to figure out who is who."
Lisa, "Amy, can I hold Tyson? Amy hands Tyson over to Lisa.
Lisa, "Oh Look Jack how adorable they are! They are so perfect. Amy, I want you to know that I WILL be spending time over here to help you guys get these boys settled in. Jack and I plan to postpone our trip to France this season so we can be here for you!" Amy, "Lisa, Jack you guys don't have to do that. I know how much being in France means to you."
Lisa, "Amy, Jack and I have discussed it and we are settled on our decision. Besides, I can help you with your business at Fairfield while you tend to the boys."
Amy, a bit apprehensive says, "That sounds great."
Lou, standing next to TJ and Lyndi, has her arms out, "Lyndi, let me have a look at this guy." Lyndi, handing TJ over to Lou says, "Lou, now be careful with his head. The nurse was very insistent that we pay special attention to holding their heads correctly. She said because they are still considered preemies….."
Lou breaks in, "Lyndi, I got this. No need to worry." So Lou and Lisa sit down in the two rockers that Jack and Tim build for the babies and started rocking and cooing to them.
Tim and Shane finished up their duties at Big Sky and head toward Heartland. Shane tells Tim, "How cool is it that Ty and Amy named one of the boys after you and Jack?" Tim responds, "That is very cool! I can't wait to get to hold them."
Shane, "I guess that makes me an uncle to them, right?"
Tim, "Let's see. I am their grandfather. You are my son. So that make makes you and Amy brother and sister, so yes, you are the twins uncle."
Shane, "I have never been an Uncle before. Sweet!"
As Tim and Shane arrive at Heartland, Ty is pulling up in a brand new SUV and parks next to them. Tim, getting out of the car, says "What is this?"
Ty, "Well, when we brought the kids home we realized that our truck was not big enough for our family so I decided I needed one of these! Look at this thing. Captain Chair seating, extended length, DVD players behind every seat. It has everything you can get in a SUV."
Shane, now sitting in one of the captain's chairs leans all the way back, "Man, you could have a road trip in one of these. I might have to borrow it from you guys."
Ty, "Not anytime soon. We need this to get our whole family around."
Tim, "Since you didn't ask me to come with you, I assume you have paid full price, right?"
Ty, "Well, Tim I am just taking a test drive to show Amy and Lyndi. I haven't made the deal yet, but if you want to come with me when I do, I would be more than happy." Tim, "Sure!"
The guys go into the house where everyone is sitting in the living room and Lisa and Lou are holding the twins. Ty says, "Amy, come outside. I have something to show you." Amy gets up from the couch and heads to the door. She looks out and Ty is standing in front of the SUV with his arms wide open. "What do you think!"
Amy, walking to the open back door looks in. "Wow! This is awesome. Did you buy it?" Ty, "Not yet. They let me test drive it so I could come show it to you. If you like it, Tim and I will go back and make a deal."
Amy, "I have always wanted one of these, but not sure we need all that fancy stuff." Ty, "Only the best for my girl. How about it?"
Amy, "Sure, let's do it." So Ty goes into the house to get Tim to go make the deal.
Ty meets Tim and Shane each holding one of the twins. Ty, "Tim, Amy says we are good to go. Want to come with me to go make the deal?"
Tim, "Give me a minute. I am bonding with my name sake!" Jack, "Remember, he has my name too!"
Tim, "Yeah, but whose name is first!"
Jack laughing, "Only because they knew you would be upset if they named him Jackson Timothy."
Shane, "They are so small. I am scared that I might break one of them!" Amy, "They are Borden's. Strong as nails!"
Ty, "Let's go Tim, I want to get this done today."
Tim, "Shane, want to come see your old man in action?"
Shane, "Been there, done that. I want to spend some time with my niece and nephews. Hey, TJ. This is your Uncle Shane."
Ty and Tim leave for the dealership and Amy says, "Guys, we need to put the boys down for a while. I think they are ready for a nap."
Lisa and Lou, "Amy, let us put them in their beds and get them ready. You sit right there."
Jack and Amy settle into the living room, as Shane and Lyndi head to the barn. The only family that has not seen the twins are Peter, who is traveling with Katy to an equestrian meet and will be home later in the week and Georgie who is coming on the weekend.
Jack, "I can't wait until the whole family has had a chance to see the boys. They are so great!"
Amy, "I know. I think by this weekend everyone will be here."
Lisa, "We need to throw a BBQ to welcome the twins home. What do you think? Nothing fancy, just a few friends."
Jack, "I think that is a great idea. What do you think Amy?"
A bit overwhelmed, Amy looks at Jack and Lisa, "Sure, why not."
Jack, "So it's settled, we are going to have a BBQ Saturday afternoon. I think we should ask Calib and Kas over too."
Chapter 5: Katie's Troubles
Saturday came around pretty quick and all the family was home and rustling around. Georgie and Katie when on a ride with Amy while Jack, Lisa, and Lou made preparations for the BBQ. Tim and Shane were there along with Peter and they were pitching the outdoor tent and setting up the table and chairs. Ty had to go to Fairfield to tend to a horse that had injured his leg and was expected back very soon.
Georgie, "Katie, so how are you doing in school and with your jumping?" Katie responds, "If you were here more you would know!"
Georgie, "What is your problem! Don't you know the commitment I have had to make to get to the Olympics!"
Katie, "Oh, the Olympics, the Olympics, Georgie is so great because she is competing in the Olympics. That is all I hear all day long!" As she gallops ahead.
Amy holding back with Georgie asks, "What is that all about? Katie seems to be on the edge of her seat all day long."
Georgie, "She is jealous or something!"
Amy, "You know Georgie, your mom and I had some real tense moments especially when she left for college and moved to New York. When she got back after mom died, I was so mad at her and really didn't know why. Later on I realized that I was mad because I felt abandoned by her. Once we got past those issues, we were able to move our relationship along."
Georgie, "I can see that with Katie and I, but I also think there is more to this than that. Lou called me last week concerned about Katie's temperament. She wanted me to talk with her while I was home to see if I could find out what is going on." Amy, "What does Lou suspect? Drugs. Drinking. Boys?
Georgie, "Maybe all three!"
Katie, sternly turns about on her horse, "What's going on back there. Let's get back to Heartland. I am getting bored. What are you guys talking about, Me?" Georgie, glancing at Amy, "No, we were just catching up!"
The three gallop back down the trail to the house.
At the house Tim and Peter are putting the final touches on the tent as Ty is pulling up in the new SUV. Amy is coming out of the barn and goes to Ty's window. "He mister, you need to leave that here for me. You have that nice truck over there that you can use when you need to go to work!"
Ty, not missing a beat, "Amy, I have to make sure that everything is working in proper order before I let you drive it!"
Amy, "Sure, Sure. Well, let's not make that a habit."
Ty steps out of the truck and gives Amy a huge hug and a kiss. Amy, "So how was the patient?"
Ty, "He tore a ligament in his leg and we had to stabilize it." Amy, "How did he do that?"
Ty, "I am not sure. Maybe when he was practicing he landed wrong on his leg. No one is for sure. He just started limping."
Amy, "Well I know he is in good hands." And they headed towards the house.
At the BBQ, all the family was there including Kas and Caleb. Each got a chance to hold the twins while the family sat around the fire pit. Lou, "Where is Katie, I haven't seen her for a while. Shane can you go look for her and tell her to come join us"
Shane, "Sure."
Lyndi, "Shane I will come help."
Shane heads off towards the barn. As he is rounding the corner he smells pot coming from one of the stalls. He opens the door and there is Katie. About that time Lyndi comes up and sees Katie holding what she thought was a cigarette.
Shane, "Katie, what the hell are you doing?" Katie, "What does it look like?"
Lyndi, "Katie,, You aren't supposed to be smoking."
Shane, "That's pot Lyndi! Lou is going to kill you if she finds out!" Katie, "I don't care if she does. She can't tell me what to do."
Shane, "I think you are terribly mistaken. Lyndi, go back to the fire. You can't say anything about this. Ok?"
Lyndi , not real sure how to answer that nods her head.
Shane, "You are screwing up your life. All that you have going for you and you decide to screw it up with drugs. How stupid!"
As they head back to the firepit, Georgie comes up to Shane. "Did you find Katie?" Shane, "Yeah, she was getting high in the barn. I didn't know she was doing anything with drugs."
Georgie, "That must be why she is acting out so much. I need to have a talk with her.." So Georgie heads to the barn to have a talk with Katie.
Lyndi and Shane go back to the firepit where Lyndi sits next to her dad and mom. "Mom, dad I need to tell you something but Shane asked me not to."
Ty, "Lyndi remember no secrets you can tell your mom and I anything. So what's up?"
Lyndi, "Well,, We went to go find Katie and we did.. She was smoking pot in the
barn. Or at least that is what Shane called it." Ty, "She was, huh."
Amy, "That must be why she is so temperamental with everyone. I wonder how she got into that?"
Ty, "I am amazed that she would be into that with all that she has going on!"
Georgie goes into the barn and finds Katie sitting out by the back door looking out into the pasture. Katie obviously high from smoking pot sees Georgie and say, "What are you doing here? Are you doing more snooping for mom? If so, you can just leave! I Don't need this right now!"
Georgie, "No, I am not snooping. I just am concerned about you."
Katie, "Sure, you swoop in after being away for so long and try to fix things.. well nothing here needs fixing so you can leave now!"
Georgie, "Why are you so angry? What have I ever done to you?"
Katie, "You weren't here! When I needed someone, my big sister, you were not here! You were not even available to talk with me."
Georgie, "I am so sorry Katie. But what went so wrong that you couldn't talk with Amy or Mom?"
Katie, "Nothing! It is to late anyway."
Georgie, "It is never too late.. Tell me What is going on?"
Katie begins to sob uncontrollably. Putting her face in her hands, she says, "I am so tired of everyone expecting me to be you! They have put so much pressure on me to become this champion rider because you were a champion rider! Everyone is comparing me to you and I am so tired of it. I hate jumping because of the expectation you have set for me! Also, I have this boyfriend at school who is into everything. He expects me to do "things" and If I don't, he is going to break up with me."
Georgie, " Wow, I didn't know. Does Amy or Lou know? " Katie, "No, I haven't told anyone this. "
Georgie, "Is he the one who has gotten you into pot smoking. And what other "things" does he want you to do?"
Katie, " I guess so. He wants me to do things. Sex things with him. I don't want to, but if I don't he is going to break up with me, and I love him so much!" Georgie, "Katie, I understand the love thing. But I have to tell you that if he loves you, then if you tell him that you are uncomfortable doing those things he should respect that and not persist. What I don't understand is the pot thing? Are you hooked? I have never done that so I don't know anything about the alure of getting high."
Katie, "He and I started smoking last year and I find that when I get anxious, or panicky, pot will calm me down. I even smoke before I go into an event and I seem to be more relaxed."
Georgie is somewhat at a loss because she has really never experienced pot, or drinking for that matter and did not quite understand how to answer Katie.
Georgie, "Katie, I don't' know what to say about the pot thing except that if you continue to jump I understand that drug testing is going to start next year, so you might get disqualified if they find pot in your system before an event. However, on the sex thing. Have you and he had sex?"
Katie, "No, not yet. We have fooled around some, but haven't had actual sex yet. But he is getting quite upset when I ask him to quit. He even got a bit rough with me several nights ago when I said no. He wouldn't stop and I had to get up and come home."
Georgie, "That is not healthy Katie. No matter how much you "love" this guy, he is not handling this right. Matter of fact, when he would not stop after you said no is sort of like date rape. What if you were not able to get up and he forced you into having sex with him?"
Katie, "I know, I know. I just don't want to lose him! What should I do?" Georgie, "This might be hard advice Katie, but you need some distance. But you must tell him why. Tell him he went too far and that you are worried that he
might force you to do something you are not ready for. Make sure he knows how you feel about him but if things don't change, you will not continue the relationship. You must be strong!
Katie, "I don't know if I can do that! What if he breaks up with me?" Georgie, "We have been raised by some very strong women. You need to embrace that and learn how to take control of this situation. You can do it. I know you can."
Katie leans into Georgie and give her a big hug. "I wish you were around here more, I really could use your shoulder to cry on."
Georgie, "I wish I could too. However, you know Amy and Mom are good listeners too. All you have to do is talk to them."
Katie, "I know, I just don't know how to open up to them like I just did to you." Georgie, "Give it a try. I had them growing up and, like you, experience a lot of tough decisions. Both of them, and Lisa too, were always there to help give me good advice, or pick up the pieces of things that I managed to tear down! And you know, dad is a great listener too! Many occasions when mom was not around, dad was able to help me figure out my life's direction."
Both the girls headed back to the firepit to join the rest of the family celebration. Katie when to sit by Lyndi and Shane and Georgie went and sat by Amy. "So, what is going on?"
Georgie, "It is a long story, but not for now, ok?" Amy, "Ok, but you have to tell me, soon!"
Georgie, "Tomorrow let's go have coffee with Lou and I will fill you guys in" Amy, "Tomorrow it is."
Chapter 6: Marion's Lookout
The next morning Amy, Lou and Georgie went to Maggie's to get coffee and discuss the conversation that Katie had with Georgie. After Georgie filled the girls in on the conversation Lou said, "Wow, I had no idea that Katie was going through this! I wish she would have come to me before this got out of hand. I wonder if Peter knows?" Georgie, "I don't think so. I don't think she confided with anyone and has been carrying it around by herself."
Amy, "We have been so busy with everything, I know that I for one have not really paid much attention to her. You know with the twins, Ty's coma and accident, my business. I just haven't really given her any attention."
Lou, "Amy, it is not your fault. I should have been more attentive to her problems, but she is such a strong willed child that I just thought everything was just find. I really feel bad that I did not see any of this!"
Georgie, "We all have neglected Katie, so we need to do something about this." Amy, "What? If we bombard her with attention, she will know something is up and probably never come to us again."
Lou, "What if we have a trail ride with a camp out. Just us girls. Then we can sit around the fire and discuss things with her more casually. What do you think? Katie, "I think that is a great idea? What about you Amy?"
Amy still having some issues with her depression say, "I think it IS a great idea. But you know with the twins and everything, I am not sure that I can get away overnight. Why don't you two go. It might be more intimate anyway."
Lou, realizing that it probably would be good for Amy as well, said, "Oh no sister! You are coming if I have to drag you out. I think this would be good for you too!" Amy, "Ok, I will clear it with Ty."
Katie, "Great, let's do it tomorrow night!"
Georgie convinced Katie that the camp out was more about getting Amy out of the house than an intervention about her problems so she agreed to go along. She then informed the others how she convinced Katie to come along. As they were preparing the horses for the overnight campout, Lou said, "I think this is going to be great! We haven't done anything like this for some time. The weather looks great! Where are you taking us Georgie?"
Georgie, " I thought we would go up to Marion's lookout and camp there. It is so beautiful and we have such a connection to that place."
Amy, still uncertain about the overnight campout, "That is a special place. But don't you think it is a bit far?"
Georgie, "A little, but once we get there it will be awesome!" Katie, "I don't think I have ever gone up there. Have I?"
Lou, "No, Katie. This will be your first time."
So they mounted the horses and headed toward Marion lookout.
When they arrived, they put up the tents and started a fire between two logs that were perfectly placed there. As they prepared dinner, each was looking out towards the mountains as the sun was setting. The sky lit up like a burst of fire hidden behind pillows of clouds. Lou started the conversation with, "Wow, look how beautiful the sky looks. I can see why mom loved it here."
Amy, "Every time I come here, it brings so much peace to me to know that when mom had problems in her life, she would come here to meditate and find answers. I can feel that she is with us right now enjoying this wonderful view."
Georgie, "Amy, I bet you have been overwhelmed with all that has happened in your life over the past few years. Getting Ty back, the accident, then the twins. I can't imagine how you have been able to cope with all that and still find time to run your business."
Amy, "It has been very difficult. Especially since the twins were born. The doctor said that I would experience some depression with all the problems we had during delivery, but I never thought it would be so tough. I don't tell Ty, but I have really struggled to fight this on my own. Dr. Jones wanted to me to take some medicine to ease the feelings of depression, but I did not want any of that. I wanted to defeat this on my own without drugs. But it is hard. However, sitting here looking out over the mountains, knowing that mom had bigger problems that that to contemplate give me a sense of peace that I haven't had in a long while."
Lou, "Amy, I didn't know you were going through such a tough time. Why didn't you tell me. I would have been there for you. At least a shoulder to cry on!"
Katie was listening to Amy's confession of her depression when she decides to speak up. "Guys, I have to tell you that I am fighting my own issues right now." She begins to talk about her boyfriend and how he introduced her to pot and his sexual advances, like she told Georgie in the barn. "I feel so ashamed that I let him take advantage of me like that. But I really love him."
Lou starts first, "Katie, I think he is your first love, right? If so, we really do some crazy things when we realize love for the first time. I bet each one of us could tell you stories of the stupid things we did because of our first love. Mine was drinking. I remember my first love and I decided to steal some wine from Grandpa and ride into the pasture and drink it. We got so drunk that we could barely get back and when I got home, Grandpa had found out somehow that I had stolen the wine and was there to greet his drunk granddaughter at the door. Thank god he didn't tell mom, or she would have grounded me for a year.
Georgie, "Well, I never had an issue with alcohol but I had a boyfriend that wanted to have sex with me. He continually pushed himself on me when we were together until I finally had to break it off. He became too aggressive and I wasn't ready to have sex with him.
Lou, "Really, who was it?"
Georgie laughing, "Lou, that will never be divulged! Amy, what about you?"
Amy, "I feel very lucky in that it has always been Ty! My first and last love! We never faced the pot issue, however, I am sure Ty has tried it before he met me, but I never had a desire to drink or do drugs due to the problems mom had with dad. I saw how his drinking and drugs ruined their relationship and never wanted to have that
happen to me. As far as sex goes. Well, Ty and I were able to manage that until we were both ready. There were some times when it took everything we had to stop the desire, but we did not give into the desire until we were both ready.
Georgie, "Come on Amy. When did you and Ty first have sex?"
Amy, "That I will not divulge, but I will say when we did, Wow! What an awesome adventure it was!"
Lou, "Adventure?"
Amy, "Couldn't find a word that could describe it!"
Not missing a beat, Lou leans into Katie and says, "Katie, you see, you are not alone with your feelings. We are here to help you talk through them, or just to have a shoulder to cry on. You see, each of us handle the situations differently and I think between the women of this family, we can help you resolve the conflicts that you will face as you grow up.
Katie, "I think this camp out helped me resolve my issues more than helping Amy get out of the house." Each of the girls looked at each other and began to chuckle. "Ok, so this wasn't about Amy. It was about me! Thanks Georgie!" Everyone began to laugh and hug each other.
Then Amy chimed in, "Guys, as much as this was for Katie, coming up here, feeling mom, has helped me to overcome my depression feelings I have been having. I haven't felt this peaceful for some time. I think it was good for both of us Katie!"
So they all gathered in and went to sleep. The next morning feeling refreshed, they packed up and headed back to heartland. Amy was feeling especially grateful that this trip has helped her with the depression that had killed her joy since the birth of the twins and was ready to reengage into motherhood for her precious boys. Katie, Lou and Georgie were happy that everything was out in the open so that they could help get Katie over her relationship issues.
When she arrived home, Amy went into the house were Ty and Lyndi were feeding the twins. Ty, "So how did it go?"
Amy, without hesitation goes to Ty and wraps her arms around him and TJ and gives him a big long kiss. "It was wonderful! We had a chance to talk about all the issues with Katie, and, Ty, I felt such a connection to mom up there that I have found that joy that I lost after the twins were born. I think I might have overcome my depression!"
Ty, "Amy, that is wonderful! I love you so much and hated to see you struggle with that. I am so proud that you were able to overcome the depression on your own, without any medicine. I don't think I could do that."
Amy, "I was about to give in, but being up there. Just knowing that was where mom would go when the world started closing in was so refreshing."
Ty, "Amy, I love you so,so much!"
The next morning Lyndi was up very early doing her chores and helping Amy with the twins. Amy, "Lyndi, I want to tell you something that I haven't said since the boys came. I want to thank you for praying for me when I was having all that trouble with the delivery. When you were praying for your father, I saw how God gave you a peace about the situation. When you and I would pray every night you inspired me to seek out God on my own. Yesterday, we took Katie to your grandmother Marion's lookout. That is where she would go when things got overwhelming.
While I was up there, I got this feeling that she was there with me, so I prayed that night that God would take away my depression. I had this peace come over me like never before. I have a renewed since of joy that was missing since we had the
twins!"
Lyndi, "Mom, I am so glad that you have made that connection with God! That feeling of peace is something that is unexplainable and I have had a hard time conveying to you and dad how awesome it is.
Amy, "Well, you know your dad prayed one night while we were in the hospital and he told me the same thing. Did you know that?"
Lyndi, "Yes! He told me. I am so happy that I could share that part of my life with my parents and that you guys now understand where my strength comes from." Amy, "We do, and we are so proud that you have introduced us to this spiritual life that we can count on when things get tough."
Lyndi, "I love you so much!
Amy, grabbing hold of Lyndi and kissing her on the cheek, "I love you, too! To the moon and back!"
That night after the twins had gone down and everyone was asleep, Amy said to Ty, "Hey, How would you like to take a walk with me?"
Ty, "Sounds great, let me get my coat."
The twilight season was in Hudson so there was still light after 10:00. Amy and Ty headed for the lake where they had spent many hours discussing their life plans and working out problems. They came to the old boat and sat down.
Amy, "Ty, I want to tell you something." Ty, "Ok"
Amy, "Last night after we had our talk out with Katie, I told you that I felt the joy come back into my life again. What I didn't tell you is that I prayed by myself for the first time that God would take away this depression and all of the sudden like a wind blowing across my body I felt this sense of peace overcome me. I think it was like that peace you had at the hospital. I told Lyndi about it this morning and she said that is the same peace she gets when she prays to God about things in our families life and hers. I don't know, but I like this feeling. I feel like myself again, but better!" Ty, "Amy, since that night, I have started to pray every night about our family and I am having the very same experience. Even though, things happen that we might not be able to control, I still have a peace about my life and our life."
Amy, "Maybe we should consider going to church with Lyndi and see what that is all about."
Ty, "I agree, and I think Lyndi would be so excited that we want to join her." Amy, "Then it is a plan, let's see if we can make that happen next Sunday."
Ty, "Amy, I love you so much!" Ty then wraps his arms around her and holds her tight as they take in the beauty of the night and the glow of Heartland from the lake.
Chapter 7: Georgie Goes to The Olympics
It has been two years since TJ and Tyson were born and over that time each has developed a very independent personality when it comes to playing and tackling new adventures in their little lives. Lyndi is in her last year of junior high school and is exceling in almost everything she does; Soccer, jumping, even rodeo. Just like her mother, she has become quite a horse "whisperer" as well, and she helps mom with her business when she can. Amy and Ty have expanded their business into training veterinarians on how to incorporate holistic/behavior techniques with the veterinarian large animal practice and Amy is still working with troubled horses locally. She also works with a very few international clients since the twins were born because she did not want to travel and leave her family. Ty has become a very accomplished veterinarian and handles all the work for Fairfield and Amed's Hill Hearst Farms, which houses many of the world's champion race and equestrian horses.
Jack and Lisa spend most of their time in France. Fully retired they travel the world from there and make sure they come by Heartland at least once a month to see the family. Recently, Lisa is having some medical issues and they are planning to extend their visits to Heartland so she can work with the doctors in Calgary. Jack is less mobile with his arthritis but still is able to make his way around a horse and light duties of the ranch.
Lou and Peter are running Fair Field and have become partners with Lisa and Jack. They still own Maggies, but the dude ranch was sold to Shane. Katie, who has become quite the equestrian, is a senior in high school, and much like Lyndi, has also excelled in her high school endeavors. Katie and Lyndi, have become quite the force in school and each supports the other in all the activities they participate in.
Tim and Shane's cattle operation has become quite the venture with over 1000 head of cattle. Not only are they supplying organic meat to the Garland food chain, which has also double in size, but have picked up some other food chains in Northern Alberta. Shane has taken a liken to running the dude ranch on the side and it has become quite popular among the folks in the US.
Kas and Calib's family has grown too. Kas practice with Scott has been very successful and
Calib has become a partner with Tim and Shane in the cattle business.
Georgie has become quite the international celebrity. This year she will represent Canada in the Olympics which will be held in her home country. She has won or placed in just about every event leading up the Olympics and is favored to take the gold. Companies are flocking to her for endorsement and she is being interviewed by most of the major network media in both Canada and the US. Georgie and Quinn are planning their wedding for after the Olympics and are considering expanding Ty and Amy's business from Quinn's family ranch in Florida.
Today, Georgie is wrapping up a few things before they pack up and head to the Olympic housing facilities. Feeling overwhelmed, she sees Amy working with a horse in the round pin and goes over to talk with her. Georgie, "Amy, who you got there?"
Amy, "This is a horse that was abandoned and has some real issues with people. He doesn't trust anyone including me!"
Georgie, "When you have a minute, can we talk?"
Amy, "Sure, I am about done with him for the day anyway."
Amy walks over to the fence where the hay bails are stacked and says, "Come, sit over here. What is on your mind?"
Georgie, "You know I am excited about the Olympics and all that. And really excited about getting married. But I seem to be so overwhelmed with everything that I can't focus on anything. Even my riding is suffering."
Amy, "Well, Georgie, your life is pretty amazing right now and I would think something was wrong if you didn't fell a bit overwhelmed. So what is more overwhelming, going to the Olympics or getting married?"
Georgie, "To tell you the truth, it's about getting married. Quinn and I are perfect for each other and we really love each other and have waited a long time to get married, yet, I am concerned that getting married might mess things up between us."
Amy, "Georgie, when Ty was going to propose to me and I found out about the ring…Oh, you remember the ring, right! "
Georgie laughing, " Yea, right, I remember! The ring I stole from Ty!"
Amy, "Yes, that ring. Well, looking back, our timing was completely off. I think if we would have made the decision then to get married, it would have been more difficult. As it was, we waited and the perfect time came and both of us knew it. You and Quinn have been together for a long time and have endured a lot of ups and downs. Do you feel now that you are ready for a permanent commitment with Quinn. I knew I was from that day when Ty asked me to marry him!"
Georgie, "The night that Quinn asked, it was so romantic and perfect and I knew accepting his proposal was the right thing to do. It is just now, with everything that is going on with the Olympics, I am feeling very unsettled."
Amy, "I think that maybe all the fuss over you from sponsors, TV, and getting prepared has changed your focus a bit and that has caused you to doubt your decision. Why don't you take some time with Quinn and talk this out. If you guys are going to make it through the long haul, you will need to be able to handle these feeling and bring them to a conclusion." Georgie, "I think that is a great idea. I will give it a try. Amy, thank you for being so supportive through all these years. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Amy, "From the moment I met you here in the barn, I became your friend. I have cherished that over the years and I want only the best for you! Also, I know that my Lyndi has spoken to you about your faith. I just want to add that she has introduced Ty and I to prayer and when things get tough, I ask God to take control. It is amazing the peace that I get from that. You might want to try that before you compete and before you talk with Quinn. Watch how He engineers the things in your life."
Georgie, "Yes SHE has! I will keep that in mind. Thanks Amy, I love you. By the way, are you
and Ty coming to the Olympics to watch me compete?" Amy, "Wouldn't miss it for the world!"
Georgie goes back to the loft to finish packing and Amy takes the horse and puts him up for the night.
Katie and Lyndi are in the house kicking around with the twins when they decide to go up to the loft to see Georgie off. Georgie is packing up the final things when both the girls burst into the room. Katie, "Georgie, are you ready to go! We are so excited that we are going to be able to attend the Olympics to watch you compete. Everyone at school thinks it is so cool that you are my sister and you will be on TV competing."
Lyndi, "Georgie, Katie and I are going to pray for you every night so you can be sure that God is going to be with you."
Georgie, "Thanks Lyndi, your mom says that has helped her over the years, so I am happy you guys will be doing that!"
Lyndi, "Also, I am going to say a little prayer for Phoenix as well."
Georgie, "I think Phoenix might need more than me. I am just in the saddle, he has to do the jumping."
Katie, "We are so proud of you. You know that, right!"
Georgie, "Yes I do…I would have never made it this far without all of your support. I hope I can bring home the gold for you guys."
Katie, "Bring home the Gold for you! This is your time, and when you get done, you're getting married to the most fabulous guy ever. What a fairytale life! Lyndi and I hope we can follow in your footstep!"
Georgie, "I love you guys, now get out of here so I can get some sleep. Got a long day tomorrow!"
Both Lyndi and Katie leave the loft and head back to the house where TJ and Tyson are playing soccer outside. Amy is following them from the barn when TJ kicks the soccer ball towards his mom. "Kick it back, kick it back" Amy goes to kick the ball and it hits Lyndi in the back of the head. Lyndi looks at Amy, Laughing, "Mom, soccer was never your game, right?"
Amy, "Ok, so I suck at kicking the ball!
Lyndi, kicks the ball back to TJ and Tyson and the game is on. Katie and Amy against the twins and Lyndi. About that time Ty comes out of the house and joins Amy and Katie and they play soccer for the next hour kicking the ball, wrestling on the ground and laughing it up with the twins.
Ty, "Guys we need to call it a night! Amy is getting tired and she needs her sleep!" Amy, "I beg your pardon, sir, if anyone is getting tired it's you. I can do this all night." Ty, "Ok, I am getting tired. Let's go inside and get some drinks."
The next day as the family see Georgie off, Ty leaves for an appointment at Hill Hearst to see one of Amed's new jumpers. Not expecting to see Amed he is surprised when he greets him at the door. Ty, "Well, Amed, I didn't think I would be seeing you today. What a great surprise!" Amed, "Ty, you have performed your duties with our stable beyond our requirements and I wanted to personally thank you for the great attention you and Amy have given to us. I understand that Georgie is going to be competing in the Olympic Games, correct?"
Ty, "Yes, you are correct and our family is so excited for her. We are trying to arrange for our family members to go to the games to watch her compete."
Amed, "Well, I might have a solution for you. I would love to offer my jet to your family for the event. It can seat 15 so it should be plenty enough room for your family to all go to the games."
Ty, "Amed, your jet! I don't know what to say!"
Amed, "Say yes and I will make the arrangements today."
Ty, "Yes, most certainly, Yes. I can't wait to tell Amy. She is going to be so excited!"
Amed, "Then that settles it. I will handle the arrangements. What days are you planning to go?"
Ty, "I will have to get back to you today on that. Again, thank you so much!"
Ty, stunned by the offer goes to the stall where the new horse is and completes his assessment. Writing up his report, he still can't believe that Amed is going to let them use his jet. When he completes the report he calls Amy. "Amy, you are not going to believe what just happened! I came over here to Hill Hearst to check on a new horse and Amed met me at the door. He wanted to thank use for taking such good care of his stable so he met me personally at the door. Then, out of nowhere he asked me about Georgie and her Olympic debut and when I told him that we all were so excited and were trying to arrange for the family to go and support her, guess what he did? Guess, you will never believe this!"
Amy, "I can't imagine."
Ty, almost out of breathe, "Guess, Amy, Guess!" Amy, "I can't imagine!"
Ty, "He offered us the use of his Jet. Amy, the use of his jet! It can hold 15 people so we all can go to the Olympics and support Georgie. Can you believe it?"
Amy, "I can't! Why did he make such a grand gesture?"
Ty, "Not real sure, maybe he wants to thank us for all the hard work we have done for him over the years. You know, he IS a prince. To him it is probably a small gesture, but to us….Wow, we are going to the Olympics in a jet!"
Amy, "That is unbelievable. We might even be able to take TJ and Tyson. What do you think about that?"
Ty, "I think that is doable! Man, a jet. I have never been on a jet before. For that matter, I have only flown once and you know how that turned out!"
Amy, "Are you on your way back? If so, let's discuss this tonight at dinner and see how we can arrange this."
Ty, "Yeah, I need to let Amed know our arrangements so he can schedule everything. See you in a bit!"
Amy begins to prepare for the nights meal and decides that she need invite the family over to discuss the new opportunity to go watch Georgie. She calls Lou and Tim and asked them to come over for dinner and that she wants to update them on this new opportunity. She didn't tell what it was so that it would be a surprise. So that night Lou, Peter, Katie, Shane, Tim, Jack and Lisa all came to dinner with Amy's family. After dinner, Ty asked to make a toast. "I want to make a toast to Georgie who is going to compete next week in the Olympics." They all raised a glass, then Ty said, "I want to make another toast to Amed. He has graciously offered his jet to our family so we can go see her compete!"
Jack, "What, Amed is lending us his jet?"
Ty, "Yes, and it seats 15 so we all can go for the day and watch her. Even the twins!" Lou, "Wow, how generous. Why?"
Ty, "He mentioned to me today that he was thankful for our work with this stable when I saw him so I guess this is his way of showing his appreciation. Remember, he IS a prince!"
Tim, "A Jet huh!, Do you think it is wise that the whole family get on one plane and go!. You know our track record with planes, Ty!"
Ty, "Tim, this is a jet with experienced pilots who have flown all over the world for Amed. So I would think we are in good hands."
Jack, "Maybe you should stay behind and watch the ranches!" Tim, "Not on your life! I am going! Count me in!"
Shane, "I am in!"
About that time everyone chimed in and agreed to go to watch Georgie.
That evening, as Ty and Amy settled into bed, Amy reach over and gives Ty a big hug and a
kiss. While she was kissing him, she said, "Do you know Mr. Borden how awesome I think you are?"
Ty as he is returning the affection, "No I don't. How about you telling me!"
Amy, as she kisses him, says, "I think you are the most handsome." She kisses him again, "The smartest!" Followed by another kiss. "The greatest father!" Followed by another kiss. "The greatest husband a girl could ever have! Imagine all that from that boy in the loft!"
Ty, as he is returning the kisses, "I think you left off something!" Amy, "I did? So what would that be?"
Ty, "The greatest lover ever!"
Amy rolls over onto Ty and says, "I did leave something out!"
AuthorsNote:Youcanletyourimaginationtakeitfrom here.
Chapter 8: Georgie Wins the Gold (Part 2)
The day came when Georgie was to compete and the whole family met at the FBO where Amed's plane was sitting waiting to board everyone and fly them to Toronto for the Games. Amed was there to see everyone off. Amy goes up to Amed and gives him a huge hug, "Amed, this is so generous of you to lend us your plane. I hope we can repay you for this one day."
Amed, "Amy, you and Ty have more than repaid me! I can't say it enough how you guys have changed my life. This is just a small gesture of my thanks!"
Amy, "You are very generous Amed, Thank You!"
Tim, "We need to get going if we don't want to be late!"
Jack, "Hold your horses Tim, we have plenty of time. Lisa, you have everything you need?" Lisa was not feeling well today and didn't want to say anything to the family so she responded, "Yes, Jack. I got everything!"
Everyone boarded the plane, including the twins, and took their seats. The twins were punching each other and Ty looked at each one as he was putting on their seatbelts. "I don't want to have to come back here and straighten you guys out so settle down. This is going to an exciting adventure!"
The pilot came in as everyone was getting settled and said, "This should be a great 3 hour flight to Toronto. The weather is good and we will be covering some beautiful ground as we fly. We will be taking off in just a few minutes."
Jack looks at Lisa, "Can't be much more beautiful that looking out at the Heartland ranch, Ha!"
Lisa, "Or the Villa in France!"
Lou, Peter, and Katie are all sitting together in the front of the plane. Lou, "I have never been in a private plane before. This is pretty awesome!"
Peter, "What is great about flying private is we fly, go to the games, fly home in one day." Katie, "I thought we were going to stay the night? I hope we will get to see Georgie after she competes."
Lou, "We will. We have plans to take her and Quinn to dinner!" Katie responds, "That is awesome! I can't wait!"
Amy and Ty are sitting together in front of Lyndi and the twins. Amy reaches over to Ty and pulls him to her. "Did I tell you how much I love you, Ty Borden. Look at our family.
Sitting here on this plane, fixing to go watch Georgie in the OLYMPICS! It doesn't get much better than this!"
Ty, "Amy, we have worked so hard building our business. It is great to be appreciated. And by the way, how much DO you love me?
Amy, "To the moon and back!" Ty, "Only the moon?"
Amy pulls Ty into a big hug and a long kiss.
Lyndi, watching her mom and dad, respond, "I am so lucky to have you guys as my parents."
Amy, "We are lucky to have you as our daughter. You know one day we might be doing this for you and Katy. What do you think about that?"
Katy, listening to the conversation, "That is my goal. If Georgie can do it, so can I!" Lyndi, "While I would love to compete in the Olympics, I would just as soon love to work with horses like you and dad!"
Ty, "Well, you have a long time to make those decisions. Let's enjoy this for Georgie!"
The plane lifts off and is headed for Toronto. Georgie is getting ready for the day's events with Quinn when she asks, "Quinn, can I ask you something?"
Quinn, "Sure, but it has to do with your ride today. Nothing else! You need to get and stay focused!"
Georgie, "But this is about us and our wedding. Don't you want to know what I am thinking?"
Quinn, "Georgie, I know you have been working through some issues and I really want to discuss them with you, but for now, know that you are my soul mate no matter what. I love you and plan to spend the rest of our lives together, having fun, making babies, and doing what we love to do. But for right now, the only thoughts that should be going through that beautiful mind of yours is how you are going to take home the gold!" Georgie laughing, "I love you so much Quinn. But do you ALWAYS have to be in training mode?"
Quinn, "This is what you, no we, have worked so hard for over the past few years. Today is the day! Let's make it happen!"
Georgie, "Yes Sir!"
Quinn, kisses Georgie on the cheek. "You look beautiful today. I love you! Oh, by the way, my dad is flying up to see you perform today as well!"
Georgie, "Ok, no pressure, my whole family is flying up to see me and now your dad! What if I fall off the horse and make a fool of myself?"
Quinn laughing, "If you fall off your horse you make a fool of all of us!"
All the family is gathers at the arena and Georgie and Quinn have arranged for special family seating for the crew. Quinn's father and family are seated next to Georgie's family. As the meet begins Georgie is one of the last riders in the show jumping category. She is competing for both an individual title and a team title. There will be 5 rounds with various layout that she will have to compete on. The Canadian team it expected to finish high in the event and Georgie is slated to take home top honors. As the day progresses, Georgie and the Canadian team are moving up the ladder as projected. However, due to a fault of one of the Canadian riders, the team is going to need Georgie to be perfect on the 3rd round to pick up the team silver. Quinn, "Georgie, the team needs you to win this to get to silver. Are you ready for this?"
Georgie, "I am ready!"
Before Georgie begins her third cycle, she remembers what Lyndi and Katie told her about praying. She closes her eyes and says, "God, this is a first for me, but if you hear me,
please calm my nerves and let me enjoy this cycle!" Georgie starts her round and to her amazement Phoenix took control of the ride and was magnificent. Sailing over the jumps like they were nothing, jumping the water with room to spare. With every challenge the course gave him, he masterfully commanded them with speed and grace. Georgie was so amazed at with her horse, she could not quit smiling as he glided over jump after jump. At the finish of the ride, Georgie had best the time by over 4 seconds which elevated her individual score to second place and won the silver for Canada.
Georgie, bringing in her horse, is patting Phoenix, "Good boy, Good boy! Wow, Phoenix, you were amazing! Quinn, did you see that, Phoenix took control as if he knew what was at stake! Good Boy, Phoenix, Good Boy!"
Quinn, helping Georgie off the horse and hugging her tight, "That was an amazing ride! You did it, you got the silver for Canada and you are now is 2nd place! I am so proud of you!"
Georgie, "That wasn't me, that was Phoenix, I have never seen him respond like that. It was like, Georgie, hang on, I got this!"
About that time, over the loud speaker the announcer informed the crowd, "With that ride, Canada has secured the silver medal in team show jumping, and Georgie Fleming‐ Morris has move into second place overall with the best ride of the day so far."
The family is now on their feet cheering and hollering and singing Go Canada, Go Georgie. Lou, Katie and Peter are jumping up and down with the twins following their lead. Ty and Amy and Lyndi are hugging one and other while Tim, Shane, Jack, and Lisa are standing, clapping for Georgie. Quinn's father leans over to Peter and says, "Peter, what a great girl you have there. She is something special! I can't wait to add her to our family!"
Peter, "She has Quinn to thank! He has worked so hard to get her ready for this. She couldn't have done it without him!"
The final round of show jumping is left and Georgie is still in second place behind team USA's best show jumper, John Higgins. The course is setup very difficult and it is going to take a perfect ride for Georgie to overcome Higgins in points. Higgins is up first and has a flawless round, but his time was a bit slower than usual which gives Georgie and open to move to number one. Quinn, "Georgie, this is it. If you can put together another ride like you did in round 3, I think you can take the gold!"
Georgie nodes her head and heads toward the starting position. Not wanting to change anything, she says a quick prayer, "God, I know twice in one day might be a lot to ask, but if you would give me another ride like before, I will know that it was you who have helped Phoenix pull off that run."
Georgie, heads to the starting position and just as before, Phoenix's head perked up as if he knew what was at stake. He started the run and just as before with grace and precision he commanded every jump and obstacle. Georgie lit up with a huge smile knowing that her prayer was answered and Phoenix was having another special run. As she made her way around the course the crowd was sensing something special was happening. Jump after jump the crowd began to chant, "Go Georgie, Go Georgie!" Georgie was so focused on the ride when she realized what was happening, her smile became so large that she beamed as she brought down the final jump. The announcer yells, "Ladies and Gentlemen, with that ride, Georgie Fleming Morris has set a new world Show Jumping time record, and the judges have awarded her a perfect 10 for the ride!" Ladies and Gentleman, Georgie Fleming Morris is your new Show Jumping Gold Medalist!
The stadium went wild. Everyone was on their feet yelling and clapping. Georgie was so overwhelmed when she came into the area, Quinn met her and said, "Georgie, you need
to ride back out there. The audience want to see you and Phoenix again!" So Georgie reaches down and kisses Quinn, "I love you so much. Thank you for all that you have done for me to make it to here!"
Quinn, "Georgie, it was all you! I just showed you how to do it! I love you!"
Georgie and Phoenix rode back out into the arena for an encore and the audience, still on their feet, begin to chant "Georgie, Georgie".
Tears rolling down her face, she comes to her family who is standing, taking it all in, looks at each one of them and mouths "thank you, I love all of you" as she makes her rounds in the arena.
At the medal ceremony, Georgie took her spot to receive the silver medal for the team completion. After that, Georgie took the top spot for the individual show jumping award. As they announced her name, the arena gave her a standing ovation as the Canadian anthem was being played. Georgie was so overwhelmed that tears of joy were running down her face. After the ceremony, she ran up to Quinn, "Wow! We did it! But I have to tell you Phoenix was awesome. He hit those jumps with such poise and precision, I didn't have to do anything. It was miraculous!"
Quinn, "The audience loved you! They gave you two standing ovations! I don't ever recall that ever happening."
Georgie, "It was Phoenix! Once we get settle, I will tell you about my rides!"
The family was allowed to come to the staging area by the ceremony stage and they were waiting for Georgie and Quinn to come in. When they arrived, everyone circled around them and tried to get a hug in. Georgie was looking for Katie and Lyndi. When she saw them, she said, "Hey, you guys. Come here. You remember you told me about how you prayed for me and Phoenix and how I should say a prayer before I rode. Well, I did! It's was like God told me to hang on and smile that he and Phoenix had this covered. Did you see how awesome Phoenix was on the course. I think God inspired him to be the best horse he could be. Kind of like, Phoenix knew how important those rides were. Thank you for that."
Katie, "Isn't it amazing how when you turn things over to God that everything seems to work out. When Lyndi told me how to pray for things, I found that God really listens, and if it is within his will, he will answer those prayers. Just like he did for you today!" Georgie reached over to Lyndi and gave her a huge hug. "Lyndi, I have you to thank for today. God bless you, girl!"
After all the hugs and kisses, the family left and headed for the restaurant to await Quinn and Georgie before they headed back to Hudson. Ty, "Amy, do you ever wish you could have made it this far with your riding?"
Amy, "I am happy just where I am. I have the boy of my dreams, my family, and we live at Heartland. That is my gold medal."
Ty, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the gold medal for best mom, wife, and horse listener ever, Amy Borden, Rah!"
Amy laughing, "You are nuts!" Ty, "Yes I am!"
The two families are gathered around the table waiting on the arrival of Georgie and Quinn. When they entered the restaurant, the whole place lit up in applause as they started chanting Go Georgie, Go Canada! Quinn, "Georgie, I think you made some friends!"
Georgie, with a huge grin on her face, "You think!"
As they approach the table to find their seats, a man walks up to Quinn's father who is standing now next to Georgie and Quinn's father says "Georgie, Quinn, I would like you to meet a good friend of mine, Jason Jones who has sponsored me after my Olympic run. He is with MMA, a sports management agency that works with high profile athletes as they navigate their careers. He wanted me to introduce you guys to him. I hope it is alright." Quinn, "Dad, couldn't you wait and let this sink in. You are always looking at the next deal!"
Tim, "Quinn, you father is right! You have to strike while the iron is hot!"
Lou, "Dad, let them be. Let them enjoy the win first! Mr. Jones, it was very nice meeting you and I would suggest we setup a better time!. Maybe in a couple of weeks."
Jason Jones, "That sounds like a plan. I just wanted to personally come over and congratulate the team on what I think was one of the best equestrian performances I have ever seen! Congratulations guys. It was very nice to meet you!"
Georgie, "Wow, a sports agent! Go figure!"
Quinn, "You had better hold on, there are going to be endorsements and sponsorships flying our way!"
Georgie, "Wow!"
As the family settled at the table, Georgie stood up and asked to give a toast. "Guys, none of this would be possible without each one of your influences on my life. Amy, you have guided me through the rough years of learning. Jack, Mom, Dad, you reached out and rescued me when no one else would. Ty, I just love you so much for being there for all of us and caring. Lisa, Tim, Shane, you supported me all along the way. And Quinn, YOU my friend are going to be my husband! But, I want to give a very special thanks to Katie and Lyndi. They have been praying for me all this time. And the advice they gave me right before I started my events was to pray and let God show you the way. You guys saw it with your own eyes. All I had to do was smile, Phoenix and God navigated the course. In all my years of riding him, he has never had the poise and grace he had today. Not once, but twice. It was like God said, George, you hold on and smile, me and Phoenix got this! So let me raise my glass to All of you, and especially God for what is one of the best competitions I have ever rode.
As the night ended, the families headed back to the airport for a long ride back to home.
On the plane everyone was sleeping from the exhausting day. Amy shook Ty and said, "Ty. Our Lyndi is a real special girl. Her love and trust in God has influenced our whole family. I am so proud to be her mom."
Ty,"I was just thinking the same thing. We are really blessed! Ty brings Amy in close and they both fall asleep holding on to one another.
Chapter 9: Lisa's Legacy
It was a warm summer night Amy and Ty were sitting out on the porch taking in the beautiful sunset watching as the kids were throwing the football in the front yard. Ty, "Amy, look at Lyndi, she can really hold her own with the twins. All of our kids are very athletic. They must get that from me!"
Amy laughing, "What? You! I am the athletic one of this family! They get that from me! How quick we forget that my father and grandfather where hall of fame rodeo stars!"
Ty, "Let's see who is the best. Kids, throw me the ball! Ok, we are going to have a contest. Three events, a race, throwing the football at a target, and kicking. Kid's you are the judges. Who is the best athlete between your mother and I?"
Tyson, "That is easy. Mom!"
TJ, "You suck up, Dad is the best, he is the man of the family!" Lyndi, "Just because he is the man doesn't mean he is the best!" TJ, "You will see! Get um, Dad!"
Ty, "Ok, let's see who is the fastest. We will run to the barn and back and you have to touch the barn door. Lyndi, you start us. Are you ready Mrs. Athletic?"
Amy, "Oh, you betcha! Are YOU ready? Let's go Lyndi." Lyndi, "On your mark. Get Set. Go!"
Ty and Amy are running as fast as they can to the barn. Amy is edging ahead of Ty slightly, when Ty grabs hold of Amy and takes her to the ground. Wrestling around, Amy laughing, "What are you doing? That is cheating! You can't tackle me when you know that I am beating you!"
All the kids decide they want to join in on the wrestle, so they run to where Ty and Amy are and start piling on. Ty and Amy start to tickle the kids and wrestle with them on the ground.
Amy, "I see how this goes! Now that we have a distraction and you obviously realize that I am the better athlete. You must be ready to concede, right?"
Ty, "I don't think so. There are two more events we have planned. I will give you the race!"
Lyndi, "Ok, what is next? Kicking? Let's go, TJ, throw me the ball and you and Tyson go over there to catch the kicks. OK?"
The twins go out into the yard waiting for the ball. Ty is first. Ty holds the ball in one hand and tries to kick it. The ball sails left off his foot and goes about 10 yards. The twins laughing are running to the ball. "Come on Dad. You can do better than that!" Ty, "I am not so sure. I don't think I have ever kicked a ball like that before."
Amy, laughing hard, "Ok, my turn. Surely, I can do better than that!" Amy holds the football in one hand just like Ty, and tries to kick it.
Ty, "Amy, You missed the ball completely! I think that means I win the kicking competition.!"
The kids run after the ball and pick it up. "Watch mom/dad! This is how you do it!" and Tyson kicks the ball and it almost reaches the barn. Amy, "That is awesome Tyson. When did you learn how to do that?"
Tyson, "TJ and I watch them do it on TV and we come outside and try to mimic their kicks."
Amy, "That is so cool!"
About that time the phone is ringing in the house. Ty runs inside to answer it. Jack is on the other line calling from France. Ty, "I am so glad you picked up the phone. I have some bad news that I need to tell you and I wanted to say it to you first. You know that Lisa has been having some issues with her health and she has tried not to burden anyone with all the details. But the time has come and Lisa is not doing well at all. Matter of fact, the doctors only give her a few months to live!" Jack is considerably shaken and Ty has picked up on his emotional state.
Ty, "Jack, I didn't know that Lisa's health situation was to that point."
Jack, "Well, you know how private Lisa can be and on this issue she was keeping it pretty close to the vest."
Ty, "Jack, what can we do?"
Jack, "Well, I am not sure. We just got the news a few hours ago and it hasn't sunk in quite yet. I wanted to let you know so that you could tell the family. I wanted it to come from you and Amy!"
Ty, "I fully understand. Amy and I will let the others know. Jack, how are you doing? Is there anything I can do in the short run to get you anything. I know you are in France, so , not really sure what I can do!"
Jack, "I will be ok. Just need you to let the family know so they can be prepared! I need to go now. I will call you with more information in the morning."
Amy is still outside playing with the kids trying to learn how to kick the ball so she can beat Ty in kicking, when Ty calls out to her, "Amy, can you come see? That was Jack!"
Amy, "Ty, watch. I can kick the ball!" Ty, "Great, Amy! Come see."
Amy, throws the ball to Lyndi and run into the house where Ty is standing in the Kitchen. Amy sees that he is noticeably shaken and asks, "Ty, what is going on? Who was that on the phone?"
Ty, "Amy, that was Jack! Did you know that Lisa was having medical issues? Like serious medical issues!"
Amy, "Lou mentioned something about Lisa having some test run in France, but I didn't think it was serious. Lou, sort of made it sound like it was nothing to worry about."
Ty, "Well, that was Jack and the doctors have only given Lisa a few months to live!" Amy, "Are you serious! I don't know what to say! What all did Grandpa say? How is he doing?"
Ty, "Amy, I have lots of questions, too, but Jack only gave me that piece of information. He wants you and me to let the family know. What are we going to tell the kids? They adore Lisa!"
Amy, "Let's not say anything tonight. Let's not spoil their fun!"
Ty, "Amy, I think we should go to France and be with Jack and Lisa. I don't know if
she is going to stay there or want to come home, but I feel they need us up there! What do you think?"
Amy grabs hold to Ty and puts her head into his shoulder. The impact of the news has suddenly overwhelmed her and she begins to cry. Ty, "Amy, I am so sorry. I know she has been a very special influence to our family and to know she only has a few months and she is in France has to be upsetting."
Amy, gathering herself, "Not just that but Grandpa, too. He is over there by himself. Ty, he has been through so much. Now was the time that he could settle back in retirement, with Lisa, and enjoy the rest of his life. I am so sad, just so sad. Why does this have to happen now?"
Ty, holding Amy firmly, "I know Amy, that is why we need to be strong for both Jack and Lisa. I think we should encourage them to come home and be with family where we can take care of them from here."
Amy, "I would agree. But I do think we should go to France to bring them home."
About that time Lyndi runs into the house yelling, "Come on Guys. We are waiting to finish the challenge!" That is when she noticed that both her mom and dad were upset. "What is going on? What has happened?"
Ty, "Sweety we got some bad news and are trying to process it. I think we need to call it a night."
Lyndi, "What is going on!"
Amy, "You need to keep this between us for now but grandma Lisa is very sick and we are needing to go to GG in France."
Lyndi, "What do you mean sick.. She look fine last time we saw her."
Ty, "We are waiting to get more information from GG, but for right now we just need to pray for her, ok?"
Lyndi, "I can do that.. I will get the boys in."
Amy, "Thanks Lyndi. Once we know more we will let you know. Remember you need to keep this between us until we let the others know."
Ty and Amy prepare to go to sleep. All of the kids are snuggled in and Ty looks at Amy, "Amy, I really think we need to go to France and be with Jack. I think we need to encourage them to come home for these next few months and we can help them get things wrapped up there. Listening to Jack, he is trying to put on a brave face, but I could tell in his voice he is upset."
Amy, "Ty, I think you are right. Let's talk with him tomorrow when he calls and tell him we want to do this. I don't think we should take no for an answer. We can get Dad and Shane to come over here and stay with the kids while we are gone. I can wrap up a few things at work and reschedule a meeting that I had for next week.
What about you?"
Ty, "Well, it is never a good time, but this needs to be done. I can get Scott and Kas to cover for me."
Amy, "Good, then it is settled, I will work on the tickets tomorrow and we can plan to leave Tuesday."
Ty, "I love you Amy. I hope we both can get some sleep tonight."
Amy, reaching over and snuggling up to Ty, "You are my rock, Mr. Borden. I love you too! Good night."
The next morning came pretty quick and Ty was first up in the kitchen making coffee. With the time difference between France and Canada, it was about 10:00 in the morning so Ty places a call to Jack. "Hello, Ty. Up early I see. What's up?"
Ty, "Jack, Amy and I are going to speak to everyone this morning and break the
news about Lisa to them. Are there any updates from yesterday?"
Jack, "We met with the doctors and they are pretty convinced that any effort to extend Lisa's life would not work, and it would probably mean for her to stay in the hospital until the end."
Ty, "Jack, I am so sorry that you guys are having to go through this. So what are your plans?"
Jack, "Well, right now we are still trying to figure that out."
Ty, "Well, Amy and I talked last night and we want you to come home. Lisa needs family right now and the best thing for her, and you, would be to come home. Amy and I are planning to come over there tomorrow to be with you guys, and to help you pack up. Jack, we want you back here at Heartland.! What do you think?" Jack, "Ty, we too have discussed this and I think we would agree that Heartland is where we want to spend Lisa's last days. However, we did not want to trouble you guys or be a burden."
Ty, "Jack, put those thought away! You belong here with Lisa and we will make sure the accommodations here will provide her with the comfort and love she will need right now. Also, I think having the kids around will cheer up the atmosphere. You know Lyndi will, and the twins are really fun to be around."
Jack, "That sounds like something that she would like."
Ty, "So Amy and I will be there Wednesday morning and we can make all the arrangement then and help you guys get packed up to come home. Amy will be so excited and so will the rest of the family. You tell Lisa are prayers are with her and we will see her soon."
Jack, "Alright, I will make arrangements to pick you guys up when you get in. See you Wednesday!"
Ty, "Bye, Jack!
Amy was getting up when she heard Ty on the phone with Jack. "Sounds like Jack and Lisa are coming back to Heartland, Hey?"
Ty, "Yes, She and Jack had already discussed coming home and I think Jack was relieved when I told him we would come tomorrow to be with them and help them come home."
Amy, "So it's a go. I will book the flights this morning and send grandpa the itinerary. Ty, I think this is a great that we are doing this. I need to get ready and go over to dad's and Lou's and fill them in on the news."
Ty, "Sounds great, I will get with Scott and Kas and make sure they can cover anything that comes up. Do you think we should tell them about Lisa?"
Amy, "Lisa is very private. I think if she wants to tell them, she will. For now just say we are going to meet grandpa and Lisa in France."
Amy and Ty get the kids ready and head over to Tim's ranch. Tim was outside working on the tractor with Shane when they pull into the yard. Ty, "Kids you guys stay in the truck. Your mom and I have to discuss some business with grandpa and then we are going over to Aunt Lou's." Ty and Amy get out of the truck and head over to where Tim and Shane are standing.
Amy," Dad, we have some bad news. Grandpa called and told us last night that Lisa has had some serious medical problems and that the doctors have given her only a few month to live. Ty and I are flying to France tomorrow to be with them and help get them packed up so they can come back to Heartland to live out the time Lisa has left. Can I ask you to stay with the kids at Heartland while we are gone?"
Tim, "Honey, sure, sure, not a problem. But Lisa, I didn't know that she had any medical issues. Was this sudden? Why didn't Jack tell me! For God sake, I could have done something. "
Amy, "Dad, you know how private Lisa is. This took us all by surprise!" Tim, "Does Lou and Peter know?"
Amy, "No, we are going over there now to fill them in. I know this is a shock, but it is to all of us. So dad, you good with the kids for a couple of days?
Tim, "Sure, I got that covered. So Sad, so sad!"
Ty, "Thank you Tim, we are going to be leaving tonight, so if you could make arrangements to be at Heartland around 4 PM that would be great."
Amy and Ty go back to the truck and head over the Fair Field where Lou and Peter are preparing for the day. They go into to Lou's office and shuts the door. "Lou, we have some bad news to tell you. Can you ask Peter to come in so both of you can hear this together?"
Lou, as she is pushing the intercom button to ring Peter, "Peter, can you come up to my office please?" Within a few minutes Peter comes into the office and sees Ty and Amy standing with Lou looking out over the stables.
Ty, "Guys, we got some bad news last night and wanted to come share this with you in person. Jack called and told us that Lisa is sick and has only a few months to live. We called Jack this morning and Amy and I will be heading to France this evening to be with Jack and Lisa and help them pack up so that Lisa can be around family and be home at Heartland for these last months."
Peter, "Wow! I didn't even know she was sick. When did all this take place? Lou, did you know anything about this?
Lou, "Well, at the Olympics Lisa told me that she was not feeling very well and was going to a specialist to see why she was so fatigued. She didn't seem to be to alarmed about it, but you know how private Lisa is. If I would have known, I could have done something for her!"
Amy, "Lou, we all could have done something for her if we knew. That is why now that we know, we are going to make this the best few months of her life. We have asked them to stay at Heartland where they will be around the kids and all the loving we can give them."
Ty, "Amy, I need to go to my office to make my arrangements for the trip. Don't you need to take care of a few things?"
Amy, "Yes, I do!
Lou, "Amy, I can cover whatever you need while you are gone. Just let me know what you need me to do."
Peter, "What about your kids? Lou and I can take them in if need be."
Ty, "Tim and Shane are going to stay with them at Heartland. However, you might want to check in on them to see if they need any help."
Peter, "Great, we will do that!"
Amy and Ty head off to their offices where their kids have come in from playing in the stable yard. Their offices were connected to each other so Amy called the kids into the office along with Ty. "Guys, I need to tell you something important, so come over here and sit down. Your dad and I are going to France this evening to see GG and Lisa. They are coming home to stay with us for a while and we are going to help them pack and get things ready for their move. Grandpa and Shane are going to stay here with you while we are gone, so you need to be on your best behavior. Lyndi will report to us any nonsense that you guys get into. Also, Lyndi. We need you to help grandpa with taking care of your brothers. Are we good?"
Lyndi, "So GG and Lisa are coming back to stay for good at Heartland?"
Ty, "Yes, Lyndi. Remember what we told you last night. We have told the others so we are going to get them and bring them home. We think that being around Heartland with the family is the most important thing for Lisa right now."
TJ, "What is wrong with Lisa?"
Amy, "TJ, Lisa is not feeling very well and she needs to be around family. Do you understand?"
Tyson, "That is because we are a cool family, right dad!" Ty, "Right, Tyson."
As the kids run out the door, Lyndi stays behind and says, "Mom, dad, we need to pray and ask God to look over us during this time. I know it will be difficult in the coming months, but with God's help, we can make this transition as peaceful as possible."
Amy, "I agree. Let's include them in our prayer time."
Ty, "Lyndi, you are simply amazing! Just like your mother, your heart if filled with joy and peace and you care about others so much. We love you for that. What a special girl!"
Lyndi, "Thanks dad, that means a lot to me!"
Ty and Amy wrap up their tasks and gather the kids to head back to Heartland to pack.
Chapter 10: Lisa's Legacy (Part 2)
It's Wednesday morning and Ty and Amy arrive on schedule in France. Jack is there at the gate waiting to collect their things and bring them to the villa. The villa is quite the place. It has made a name for itself, with premium wines that are sold exclusively in France. The operation is run by Fernando so Lisa and Jack don't have much to do on a day to day basis so they spend most of their time traveling or socializing with friends.
Jack, "There you guys are! Thank you for coming. I must say it is a bit overwhelming right now and to see your faces, the faces of family, brings joy to my day!"
Amy, goes up to Jack and hugs him tight, "Grandpa, I am so sorry that you have to go through this again. I want to help you, no, we want to help you and Lisa get through this. You need to know that we all are praying that God will make these coming months easy on the both of you!"
Ty, waiting his turn to hug Jack, says, "Jack, we are so glad you guys have decided to come home. The family can't wait."
It is about a 30 minute ride to the villa with some of the most beautiful scenery France has to offer. The vineyards line the valleys and the hills and at this time all the grapes are in harvesting stage. Jack, "This is beautiful country and Lisa just loves it here. But to tell you the truth, I think it doesn't get much better than Heartland."
Amy, "This is beautiful. I see why Lisa is in love with this place. Grandpa, how does she "really" feel about coming back to Heartland for her last months? " Jack, "Well, I think she is excited to be around family. Also, she needs to arrange some things with the business so that when she is gone there will be a smooth
transition within the family. I know you and Ty pretty much have your businesses separated from Fair Field, but Lou and Peter are partners with us and we need to make sure that everything is setup for when she is gone."
Ty, "Jack, I know that is probably the hardest thing to consider right now!"
Jack, "Well, you know Lisa. She wants to make sure all her affairs are in order before she leaves us. Guys, I need to warn you that Lisa is not the same as you last saw her. This disease has really caused a great deal of stress on her body. She is
going to put up a good front, but underneath, she is in a lot of pain and has to take treatments for that daily. I just wanted to warn you before we get to the house."
Amy, "Grandpa, how are you doing? This is the second time you have gone through something like this. So how are you holding up?"
Jack, "Amy, I won't lie. It has been very tough watching Lisa battle this disease. She has put up a good fight, but in the last few weeks, it has been difficult for her. I just hate to see her in all that pain. I wish there was something I could do for her."
Amy, "Grandpa, is she going to be able to handle the travel back to Heartland?" Jack, "It will be difficult. That is why we have decided to leave back with you guys on Friday. We have done everything here, so it is really just to pack up and take the trip. We do have to make sure that Fernando is settled in, that is why Lisa wants to be here another day. She is going to make him a partner in the winery so that he will be more committed to the business. So here we are, do you remember staying here on your honeymoon?"
Ty, "We sure do. That was a magical week for us. We toured the countryside, hiked around the fields , we even rented a motorcycle and took a couple of road Trips.
Amy, "That was so sweet of you guys letting us spend our honeymoon here at the Villa."
As Jack pulled into the circle, Lisa was sitting on the front porch waiting for them to arrive. As they pulled around, she got up slowly and with her walker started toward the stairs. Amy jumps out of the back seat and runs up to the top of the stairs and gives Lisa a big hug. "Lisa, it is so good to see you. Both ladies become quite emotional when Lisa says, "I guess Jack has filled you guys in on the situation."
Amy, "Yes he has. I am so sorry Lisa that you have to go through this. Lyndi wanted me to let you know that she is praying for you and looks forward to having you back home at Heartland."
Lisa, "Amy, are you sure about this. I don't want to be a burden…"Amy breaks in. "Lisa, you are family. You are my grandmother. You will never be a burden to us . We are just happy that we can be there for you during this time. Like all the times you have been there for us. This is the least we can do. Lisa, I don't think I have ever told you this, but I love you so much. You were there when I needed you the most and you always supported me. I want so much to be able to now be there for you. Matter of fact, the whole family is anxiously awaiting you back at Heartland so that we can support you and Grandpa during this time."
Lisa, "Amy, that means so much to me. Thank you!" Both ladies embrace each other with tears falling down each ones face.
Ty and Jack are bringing the bags into the house. Amy and Lisa go inside to meet them. Lisa, "Ty, I understand you have been really doing well with your practice. Lou and Peter tell me that our clients are so pleased to have you as our veterinarian. I am so proud of what you and Amy have accomplished with your business and hope that you will have continued success."
Ty, "Lisa, we couldn't of have done it without you putting your trust and confidence in Amy and I. Fair Field was our first real full time client. Really, we wouldn't probably be here if it wasn't for you!"
Lisa, "Ty, you and Amy will be successful at whatever you put your hearts into. Your success is because of your love for what you do and it shows."
Ty, "Well, thank you Lisa. I want you to know that our kids can't wait for their GG
Lisa to come back to Heartland to stay."
Lisa, "I can't wait to see them. It has been a while. I bet they have really grown!" Jack, "Well, let's get you guys settled in. I think Lisa need to rest a bit before supper."
Lisa, "Jack, you fuss over me to much! But I love you for it. Guys, I will see you in a bit."
Amy and Ty, go to their room and settle in. It was a long trip from Calgary so they decide to nap a bit as well.
At supper Lisa is in a lot of pain and is struggling to stay engaged in the conversation around the table. She manages to get a few comments in, but clearly each sentence causes her a great deal of pain to get out. Lisa, "Amy, Ty, I want you to know that I have provided for you in my will. Jack and I discussed that since I don't have any family, that we want you guys, along with Peter and Lou to take full control of my enterprises. Including this vineyard." Jack breaks in, "Lisa, we don't have to discuss that now. We will have plenty of time to go over that when we are back at Heartland."
Lisa, "No Jack, I think it is important that I say what I need to say now! She takes a breathe, "Like I was saying, Jack and I have laid out the details so that when I am gone there will be a smooth transition of the assets. However, I do have one request. I want you to promise me that you will keep the businesses in the family and incorporate it into the Heartland tradition. Fairfield is my family's legacy, and now that we have combined our families, I want the legacy to be the Heartland/Fairfield legacy. Will you promise me that!"
Amy, "Lisa, I would like nothing more than to include Fairfield into our families legacy. With the Twins, Lyndi, Katie and Georgie, we can continue the heritage for many years to come."
Ty, "I agree with Amy. However, there is one concern that I have." Lisa, "What is that?"
Ty laughing, "I don't know anything about growing grapes!"
They all begin to laugh, but clearly Lisa is struggling to enjoy the moment.
Lisa, "I hate to be a party pooper, but Jack would you mind helping to my room. I am feeling a bit winded and need to call it a night."
Jack, "Sure!"
Amy and Ty, "Good night Lisa, we will see you in the morning."
Jack shuffles off to put Lisa down and stay with her until she falls asleep.
Ty, "Wow, Amy. Lisa really is struggling. That disease has zapped the life out of her, hasn't it."
Amy, "I didn't expect to see her in such distress. Ty, I know we have never done this, but can we take a few minutes and pray together for Lisa and ask God to take over this situation and guide us through this?"
Ty, "I think we should. Boy I wish Lyndi was here. She would know exactly how to handle this. Why don't we hold hands and I will start the prayer, then you can finish it. Ok?"
Amy, "Ok!"
So Ty and Amy sitting at the table holding hands begin to pray for the first time together. Ty, nervously starts to pray as Amy squeezes his hand as he voices all his request. First, for Lisa and her pain, then safe travels to Heartland, and then for Jack. Amy concludes the prayer and ask that He prepare the family for Lisa's homecoming. When she finished she said, "Ty. Did you feel something when we were praying?
Ty, "Maybe. Like what?
Amy, "I felt this peace that overcame me that God was going to take this situation into His hands and that I did not need to worry."
Ty, "Wow, Amy, I got the same feeling. I wonder what that means." Amy, "We will have to wait and see."
Amy and Ty go to their room and settle in for the night. The next morning they were awaken by a very distraught Jack. "Ty, Amy, come quick. I can't get Lisa to wake up!" Ty and Amy slip on their robes and run to Lisa's room with Jack in toe. Ty gets to Lisa first and put his fingers on her neck to check her pulse. He slowly pulls his hand away and looks at Jack. "I am so sorry Jack, Lisa does not have a pulse. He then pulls her eyes back and sees that she has no response. "Jack, I am so sorry but Lisa has passed away!" Jack becomes emotional and begins to cry as he pulls Lisa's hand up to his face. "My darling Lisa, I am going to miss you. I am going to miss you so much! You have made me such a happy man for all these years, you have been my best friend. I am going to miss you, so, so much!"
Amy tearing up, begins to rub Jack on his shoulders. She looks at Ty who is also in tears and grabs his hand. The both of them stand there as Jack is speaking to Lisa for the last time.
After several minutes, Jack puts Lisa's hand along her side and pulls away. He looks at Ty, then Amy and says, "I am so glad you guys are here. I don't know if I could have done this without you. Lisa has become such an important part of my life. How am I going to live on?
You know Lisa was looking forward to returning to our family at Heartland. She especially wanted to see Lyndi. Since the Olympics, Lisa has been talking and writing to Lyndi about how Georgie used God to help her get through the Olympics. They also discussed Ty's coma and accident and Lisa wanted to understand more about Lyndi's faith. I know that when Lisa started really feeling the pain of the disease, I would find her praying that God would take over her illness and give her some peace. It looks like her prayer was answered."
Ty takes hold of Jack with a strong embrace as he is now crying uncontrollably, "Jack, you have always been the rock of this family. You have been there every time to help us through difficult situations. Today, let me be your rock. Lean on me, no, lean on us. Amy and I can carry the load for you. Jack, everything will be ok. God has limited Lisa's suffering and we should gain peace from that."
Amy, joining Ty in the embrace, Grandpa, you can let it go. Lisa is at peace now and we are here to be your support. We are all going to miss her. But her spirit will live on through Heartland‐Fairfield."
Jack, still sobbing, says," Thank you. You guys mean so much to Lisa and I. I know having you here meant so much to her."
Amy, "I love you Grandpa. Let's get you and Lisa back to Heartland so the family can say their last goodbyes."
The next few days were filled with settling final business with Fernando and making the arrangements to have Lisa flown back to Hudson. The plans were to bury her in the family cemetery alongside Lyndi and Marion. Ty and Amy, prepared the house for lockdown since they did not know when they would be returning to France while Jack visited some friends to inform them of Lisa's passing and his plans to return to Heartland. Ty called back to Heartland and spoke to Tim about setting up the loft for Jack so that when they arrived it would be cleaned and ready to be moved into.
