Chapter Forty-One
Recognition - Reward
A/N – I hope you enjoyed this chapter. My goal is to make sure that although this is an Amy and Ty Fanfiction, I also take the time to develop the other characters as I believe they are important to their story. As we move forward the holiday is past but activities and events continue. Big news for Amy and Ty will be seen coming up. On a personal note, my drive to write this story continue to grow. This is going to be another fun chapter but moving forward I have several more challenging storylines. PLEASE send me your ideas for storylines and keep up the reviews. I have received a few that I plan to incorporate. Mild Mature Content. Enjoy
Well after a more than exciting Holiday and surprise wedding the family got back to work and school. As expected Will, Bethany and Billy arrived for the week. Will was here to get with the fire department about his new start date. They were very accommodating and he would be able to start after the first of the year. It didn't hurt that Jack was a member of the Hudson County Fire Commission Board. And the news was good for Bethany as well. There was still a job for her starting in January as well at the local elementary school. And the provided day care which was an added bonus. The only challenge was a place to live but during a small welcome dinner at Heartland, Lisa and Jack offered a room at Fairfield so they could take their time to find a place. Amy smiled when Lisa made the offer and whispered in Bethany's ear, "And if you guys need some alone time Billy is more than welcome to hang with JT, he is excited that you guys are moving here. When Amy whispered JT ran over to Billy and hugged him saying, "Wait till you meet, Ben, Brey and Dax we are gonna play cowboy together." The family all smiled until Ty added, "Wow 4 boys hanging out, they may need a full-time monitor." Maddie immediately, "Gwen and I got it!" Ty was quietly overwhelmed by the family's acceptance of Will and his family. Amy leaned over, "Are you OK?" Snuggling in her ear he said, "Our family is unbelievable, I am so happy they have welcomed my almost son and his family." He kissed her on the cheek as Addie groaned out loud. Bethany had a questioning look on her face. Lyndy spoke up, "For some reason, Addie thinks it is gross when our parents show affection." She laughed, "Well Addie I can't wait until you bring your first date to dinner." Everyone giggled as dinner continued.
The kids were excited to be back in school. The weeks moving forward until Christmas would be fun as many projects and midterms were forthcoming. Lyndy also was heavily engaged in her ballet class. She had found out from Sandra that she had been a earned a spot in the upcoming Calgary Ballet Company Young Stars recital. Amy and Ty were excited as well and felt that she could handle that along with school and her work responsibilities. But the most important thing to them was that she loved to dance. At dinner one night the family was discussing it and Amy joked, "Lyndy we are all excited about the recital and can't wait for it. Thank goodness you didn't inherit your dad's dance skills." Poking him in the ribs. Maddie spoke up, "Mom that is not nice, didn't dad take secret dance lessons from Lou before your formal dance?" "Yes, honey he did and I am sorry, your dad is a good dancer." Hugging her love she apologized with a kiss.
Annie continued to excel in school especially in science. She talked about several of her science projects and Ty asked, "So what do you want to do honey?" She timidly looked at her parents, "Well dad, I think I want to be a vet if you are OK with that." Taking a moment to gather himself, Amy grabbed his hand under the table, "Well that is wonderful and of course I am OK with it. Let's get wit Steven and Dr, Ellie and have you spend some time shadowing them. It will give you a real view of what vet work is." She smiled and hugged her dad. "Thank you daddy." When Maddie saw an opening she spoke, "I heard that Jeremy asked you to the Spring dance, sweet." Annie blushed as Addie stepped in. "Yes Maddie he did and Desi asked me. We are going with a bunch of friends so chill," looking sternly at her. She spoke quickly making smooching sounds, "Maybe you will get a kiss." Annie confidently looked at her and said, "I hope so."
Addie as well continued to do well at school especially in math. She just seemed to have a knack for it similar to her father. She was asked to join the math team and shared the information with the family. Amy spoke, "Maddie, honey that is amazing, so what do you think you want to do." She laughed, "Ride and work on motorcycles and become a barrel racer. I love the thrill of show jumping but I was watching some barrel racing and would love to try it." Ty joked, "Well Addie that is great and we will support you whatever you decide. Let's get with Casey, you know at one time she was a champion barrel racer years ago, I think she would be a great coach." Amy added, "And we will have to look for a barrel racing horse, I don't think Boone could handle it. So if you are serious, we can get with Caleb to see if he can find one." It was her turn to go and hug her parents.
Maddie was rocking the 2nd grade especially her accelerated classes. Many of the classes she was taking with were 3rd and 4th graders and according to the teachers she was holding her own. During parent teacher meetings Mrs. Anderson said, "She is very perceptive, well beyond her years and her ability to relate to the older children is fantastic. From what I understand her older sisters have a lot to do with that." Amy and Ty smiled and as with the rest of the girls the teachers were impressed with success in school. JT was having fun in a structured play group and the teachers said he would have no problem entering PreK next school year even though he wasn't going to be three yet. The night of the conferences Amy and Ty were in bed talking about all of their children. Their pride in them was evident and they couldn't be happier about their children's progress. It was a good night.
Amy and Ty were a week away from their lecture at the university. This one would be a bit more low-key, more academic. The family wouldn't be coming except for Georgie and Steven who would be assisting. The plan would, like last year would have a broader scope lecture in the Spring and invite more guest. The timing works for the company as it gave them a chance to impress future business opportunities. The crowd was still going to be almost 500 so the preparations were just about complete. This session Amy and Georgie would again focus on the approach to curing the mental challenges with a horse. They decided to videotape join up and other techniques to share with the group. They also planned to spend a lot of time on herbal remedies which would be foreign to many of the attendees but fully supported by the university. Ty and Steven would lecture going over some surgical and care procedures that they had implemented as well as share some projects they were working on with the university Equine Department staff. It would be fairly technical but not too much for the newer students. The session was scheduled for a little over three hours and every seat would be filled. They also built in a lot of interaction time where students could join them on the stage along with added time for questions. The students would be selected by the staff. This would be a much more informal presentation.
Amy, Ty, Steven and Georgie packed up and headed to the university. They got there a couple of hours before the start to make sure everything was perfect, handouts completed, display tables set up and videos ready. Most impressive was the Heartland Equestrian Expereince banner the was hung on the stage as well. The professors provided several TAs to help in passing out the handouts, seating people and positioning themselves in the audience with wireless microphones. The four of them looked on impressed with the professionalism of the staff. Over an hour before the start people started to arrive. With fifteen minutes to go the hall was filled and buzzing. Amy, Ty, Georgie and Steven did a final check in, the TAs distributed the handouts, took their places as Dean Wortham walked up to the podium, silencing the crowd. The newer students were surprised that the Dean was there impressing them even more. The Dean began, "Welcome students, Staff and colleagues to the third lecture from Amy and Dr. Ty Borden, and alumni of our university. They own the Marion Fleming Equine Rehabilitation Center and have provided the University and our province innovative insights on leading edge equine care, both from the medical and therapeutic perspective. As a part of the Heartland Equestrian Expereince they had received accolades from around Canada and the Northwestern US. We are honored to have our two newest Adjunct professors here today, assisted by Olympic Champion, Georgie Fleming Weber and her husband and another alumni, Dr Steven Weber. Please join me in welcoming them and thanking them for their time." Everyone clapped and he motioned for the head of the University's Equine Department, Dr. Molder to step up. "Good afternoon and thank you Dean. Now I would give a speech but one thing I want to teach you today is not to upstage your boss." Everyone laughed as the Dean gave a thumbs up.
Before we start, I have the honor and privilege to provide some exciting news for this outstanding organization, our university as well as the province of Alberta." Amy and Ty looked at each other with confusion in their eyes. As the projection screen lit up, they saw the rest of the Board and their children walk onto the stage all smiles. The screen showed the Canadian Flag and Logo, "Ladies and Gentleman please join me in welcoming The Prime Minister of our Great country, the honorable Justin Trudeau III." The crowd erupted in applause as the Borden kids ran to their parents. "Good afternoon fellow Canadians, especially the Borden family and the other members of the Board of the Heartland Equestrian Expereince. In my role, I deal with challenges and successes." While smiling he continued, "Today is a good day. I would like to announce today that the Heartland Equestrian Expereince has been awarded this year's CanadianSME Business Award recognizing them for standing out and shining with significant accomplishments in the business world." There will be a featured article in next month's CanadianSME magazine detailing a program that they initiated that brings in troubled youth to gain real work experience, learning skills that will help them move to a successful adulthood and rid them of their troubled pasts. The program incorporates all aspects of the company from waiting tables at the famous Maggie's Diner in Hudson or mucking stalls at their many stables. And yes I know what that is by the way, I grew up on my family's cattle ranch in Manitoba and being the youngest the job fell on me." He paused as everyone laughed. Of course Maddie spoke up, "Mr. Prime Minster, I know what you mean. I get stuck with it all the time, it's not fair." Addie smacked her sister's shoulder as the Mr. Trudeau laughed, "Well Maddie when we meet we can talk about it." She smiled, "It's a deal."
After the crowd settled, the PM continued, " Amy and Ty, I will admit that I did contact Lisa Stillman the CEO of the organization and Jack Bartlett President and legendary Rodeo Star as well as the owner of the Heartland Ranch. As soon as I made them aware of this honor the said that they wanted you two officially accept it for the company. Amy according to your amazing grandpa, you are the heart and soul of the family and company and are a replication of your mother Marion, to whom your company is named." Amy broke down in tears as she hugged Ty then her Grandpa to cheers and sniffles. "And Ty, Lisa immediately told me that along with Clint Riley, from the Canadian Youth Services team that you were the inspiration behind the program. If you don't mind me saying, your life was headed the wrong direction and coming to Heartland, in your words, saved you." The crowd listened intently to the humility of the PM's comments. Ty interjected misty eyed, "Mr. Prime Minister, heartland and Marion Fleming changed my life but actually Jack and my amazing wife Amy saved me. With them I learned to love and be loved." He hugged Amy tightly. The PM continued, "Well don't shortchange yourself but don't we all need people in our life to lean on and it seems you have 6 of them right there next to you." The kids and Amy smiled broadly. "So, a week from today you all are invited to Calgary State Capitol rotunda for the awards ceremony. I for one am looking forward to meeting the Miracle Girl, the renowned veterinarian, Dr. Ty Borden, Maddie and the rest of the family. Again congratulations. To all in attendance enjoy the lecture, from what I have heard it is amazing." The PM signed off, the crown erupted in applause and everyone on the stage hugged each other.
Dr. Molder took control of the podium after things settled and passed the lecture over to Amy and TY. After a deep breath Amy started, "Well, I never thought I would be doing this, but we hope to meet the accolades and expectations of the Prime Minister. We are deeply honored by this recognition and are all just bursting at the seams." As the kids and the rest of the Board left the stage, JT yelled out, "Yay Heartland" to resounding laughter and applause. Amy chided, "And not upstage our kids." Before Amy and Georgie started their section a quick question came to them from a new student. "You really have 5 kids?" Ty joked, "Yes, we do but after today's interruptions we may sell a couple off,' As he tickled and hugged his two youngest kids. They started their presentation by going through the case studies that were in the handout displaying the information on the screens and even showing some videos. As they walked through each different scenario they fielded questions. One new student asked, "How do you figure out what is wrong with the horse." Amy patiently answered, "Well first of all Georgie and I listen to the owners and even visit the location that the horse is from. Environment has a lot to do with how a horses acts and to better understand the issue we have to gain all the information can. Kind of like an investigation."
"Let me share my journal notes from the horse we are talking about." She paused as Georgie handed her the journal from the table. "This horse was head shy and reacted badly to sudden noises. Quote, I visited the owner's barn and stables. They seemed in order, clean and tidy but I couldn't help noticing that the barn was right next to the farm's machinery hut. One of the ranch hands was working on a tractor gunning the engine. It was very loud and the wall of the stable was actually shaking. I noticed other horses on edge and when it stopped they settled. So what told me was that this horse who was 12 years old had been subjected to this noise for years and it finally cause him to react to any loud noise." The person followed up, "So what did you do?" Well my daughter Lyndy, who along with Katie her cousin are our apprentices. Lyndy joined up with the horse to gain his confidence and then basically detoxed him. We found an entry from one of my mom's journals addressing a similar situation. Lyndy followed the instructions and after a few weeks the horse was in control and could better handle the loud noises." Amy paused and looked at her daughter and waved her onto the stage. "Honey tell them what we did next." Lyndy tentatively spoke, "When we all sat down to discuss the case, Katie and I decided to go to the owner's farm. We told them how good the horse was doing but we recommended that they make some changes to the layout of the barn and hut. They completely agreed as they too had begun to see some minor concerns with the other horses. They made the changes and we happily delivered their horse free of issues. They were pleased." A comment came from the audience. "It seems that your involvement goes beyond just specific horse care." Amy interjected while hugging her daughter, "First off isn't my daughter amazing! But to respond to your comment, as you can see helping a horse involves much more than care." Amy and Georgie finished their remaining case studies and after fielding a lot of questions relinquished the floor to Ty and Steven, a half hour over their time.
After giving his wife a hug and kiss on the cheek, Ty and Steven approached the podium as their part of the presentation loaded up on the screens. They went through several case studies fielding questions that were medically based. Amy and Georgie watched in amazement as their husbands handled the interaction with professionalism. Ty began talking about the case study on Venus, the mare that was brought to the Equine Center from Fairfield with twins. "With this case the horse was in distress after a difficult foaling of twins." Then he got into the details of the post birth shock that ensued and the use of the Birthing Support Device. Many of the students were familiar with the device which impressed them, but several questions came up. One last year student asked, "How did you think of using the device to warm the horse to expedite the effect of the IVs? Ty smiled and waved Cass over to the podium, "Let me introduce Dr. Cassandra O'Dell, she is the culprit so I'll let her explain." "Thanks Ty and good afternoon fellow University of Calgary colleagues. While we were trying to figure out what to do I remembered my Animal Intravenous Fluid Administration class, and I recalled the Dr. Walker, who is here today mentioned that in some cases fluids can be administered more quickly when they are warm as well as the animal. So I looked at the device and knew it could be heated to warm Venus up. Within 10 minutes we saw improvement and she full recovered." Unexpectedly the audience erupted in applause. Cass smiled and walked back to her husband for a hug and kiss. A shout came from the crowd, "Man are all of you married to each other, there is sure a lot of hugging and kissing going on." The board paired up as Ty said, "Yes we are all married and I am confident that makes the Board and company even stronger." Ty and Steven finished their section and the lecture was closed by Dr. Molder
After the lecture as adjourned, the team answered some additional questions and began to pack up. Dr. Molder and several of the staff approached the group. Dr. Molder offered, "Before you leave, we have a question/proposition for you. After hearing of your youth program, we were chatting at break. I know we have occasionally sent students to learn about what you do and even had some classes over there, but we want to formalize it more. We would like to implement a work/study program where last year students can do their clinical work at your veterinary facilities. We would allow students to apply and we would select let's say 6 for each semester and during the summer. We would make it a sanctioned program and would be set up to meet the needs of their educational certification. So, are you up for free labor?" He said smiling. Scott spoke up, "I am sure I speak for the other vets but I think that would be a great partnership. I have heard of them before but I feel the diversity of what we offer would be a benefit to the student. We now have 5 full time DVMs on staff and outside of me are all from this university. Ty?" "I agree Scott, but we will have to discuss amongst the Board as all decisions are vetted out." Lisa stepped in, "Dr. Molder, lets plan on meeting right after the 1st of the year to finalize this. Who knows maybe we can start up next semester." In agreement the parted ways and the family headed home.
It was the day of the Awards ceremony in Calgary. After a family breakfast they headed into Calgary. The governor's office provided transportation. The Board, Borden Girls as well as Tim and Casy were attending. With the formality of the event they decided to let JT and Ben have a play day at Fairfield with the Stillman boys. As they arrived the Governor, Mayor of Calgary and several officials from the Alberta Equine Association greeted them at a small reception. Amy and Ty immediately approached the Governor to hugs and well wishes. The Governor spoke, "I just can't tell you how exciting this is for the Province of Alberta and is a great for your company as well. Ty, I can't express how moved I was when Lisa talked about the influence your life played into this program. And Amy the comments about your Mom brought me to tears. I just can't say how personally happy I am." The mayor interjected, "The Prime Minister has just arrived at the airport and will be here shortly. He will join us her for a formal get together and then we will all move to the rotunda. Lisa, who will be accepting the award, we have limited space on the stage." Before Ty and Amy could speak, "That would be Amy and Ty, they are the true heart of Heartland and all of us agree that they should do it." Amy and Ty were humbled as they went around hugging each other. Caleb broke the loving scene, "I am happy it is them, if you sent me up there I would pee myself." The group laughed at Caleb's comment and waited for the PM's arrival.
A little while later the group noticed a ruckus coming from the kitchen doors. Several members of the PM's security team entered and positioned themselves at the exits. A minute or so later the door was opened and Prime Minster Trudeau entered smiling at the group. "Madam Governor, Mr. Mayor it is great to see you again. So is this the amazing team of Canadians who have built the Heartland Equestrian Expereince? Let me handle this. Lisa Stillman, CEO and Owner of Fairfield Stables. Jack Bartlett, Lisa's better half, President and owner of the 6 now 7 generation Heartland Ranch." Jack interceded, "You honor Lisa is the better half in this marriage." He chuckled, "You are a smart man Jack." Caleb O'Dell and Dr Cassandra Odell. Caleb I heard you are a Rodeo Cowboy and Cass you are one of the company's 5 Vets. Georgie Fleming Weber and Dr. Steven Weber. Georgie let me thank and congratulate you for you Olympic accomplishments, you are a country treasure. And Steven I understand you and Georgie have new twins, that is amazing. Pictures?" Steven obliged him and showed him pictures from his phone. "Let me tell you children are life's greatest accomplishment, I should know I have six of them. Dr. Scott Cardinal and Lou Fleming Cardinal, the newlyweds. Dr. Cardinal you leadership in the field of veterinary medicine is a recognized throughout Canada. And I see you had a pretty good apprentice." Glancing over to Ty. "And Lou, I have been told you are the foundation and backbone of this family. Owner of two successful business and CFO of this organization. Thanks for coming back to Alberta and not staying in New York. You are an amazing and successful woman, I know about that, so is my wife. I will be visiting your operation next summer and I definitely have to have some of that Vegetarian Chili and Saskatoon Berry Pie at Maggie's."
He then moved to Ty and Amy and startling them reached to Amy for a hug and Ty for a strong handshake. "You know in my journeys I have been able to meet many extraordinary people and from what I have been told, you two are extraordinary." Smiling he admitted, "Let me come clean to all of you, I have a great PR report and know about all of you. Any way Ty and Amy it is my honor to meet you both. Amy your story is amazing, an accomplished horsewoman who has followed in the footsteps of her mother whom she lost at an early age. A lifetime of accolades and accomplishment, you honor both your mother and grandmother legacy with everything you do. And marrying your best friend and having 5 amazing children, you are a true representative of what a Canadian is. You young lady are definitely a Miracle Girl" Amy smiled and blushed putting her head down, "Thank you." He continued, "And Dr. Ty Borden. What you have worked through during your life is a testament to your resilience and fortitude. To come from a life that was challenging and reach the point you are now is a benchmark we all should shoot for. You came to Heartland as a troubled youth, married the girl of your dreams, in spite of Jacks threats, work through school and becoming a vet. A vet who along with your peers have contributed and greatly influenced the field of Veterinary Medicine throughout Canada. To be honest I would love to see the Birthing Device I heard of, we could have used that back in my youth on my family's horse ranch. Madam governor let's get the show on the road. Maddie will you walk with me, we have to talk" Maddie gleamed reaching for his hand as everyone laughed and headed out to the rotunda.
As the group headed to the stage, Amy, Ty and Maddie stayed with the PM while the rest of them headed to their seats in front. The room was abuzz and as the Governor took the podium they quieted. Amy and Ty couldn't miss the media coverage as cameras clicked and cameras ran. Amy looked over and saw the two host from Good Morning Calgary they met and waved with a smile. After the Governor introduce the PM, along with a for once a timid Maddie in hand he approached. "Good afternoon fellow Canadians, my friend Maddie Borden and I would like to welcome you to this presentation." As he picked up Maddie he continued, "You know Maddie and I have a lot in common. When I was younger being the baby of the family I was always stuck with the bad jobs like mucking out stalls. We both feel we were taken advantage of. Today that changes. Maddie and I would like to take this opportunity to bring her parents to the podium." As Amy and Ty approached he handed her over to Ty. "Amy and Dr. Ty Borden are representing the Board and owners of the Heartland Equestrian Expereince. This organization is being recognized buy our country for an outstanding program they have developed, partnering with the Canadian Youth Services Association. The Marion Fleming Youth Development Program, named after Amy and Lou Fleming Cardinal's mother takes in troubled youth and provides them real like work experience helping them put their past behind them and move forward to lead successful lives. To date several participants of this amazing program have moved onto new and productive careers. The program has been benchmarked and adopted by several other provinces." He paused and took Maddie back into his arms. "Maddie, I need your help." Together they unveiled what was under the easel as it also simultaneously showed up on the video screens. The award read as follows:
On this Day the CanadianSME Recognizes the
Heartland Equestrian Experience
"Everything For You / Everything For Your Horse"
Marion Fleming Youth Development Program
With the Annual
National Business Award
Focused on the Improvement of our Youth
This program guides troubled youth by providing them
real life experience preparing them for a productive future.
The dedication of this team is a testament to the
Canadian principles of helping out those who need it.
We congratulate this team and look forward to
hearing of their success moving forward.
Congratulations!
The audience burst into applause and Maddie kissed the PM on the cheek. Leaning into the mike he commented. "Well I didn't expect a kiss but thanks Maddie" as he hugged her. He motioned for the other girls and the Board to come up to the stage. The PM's aide handed a Plaque that he presented to Lisa as the CEO. But then the biggest surprise came. When another easel was uncovered and revealed a check for $100,000. "Lou I expect this goes to you. Here is the financial award for this that comes with this recognition. I hope you find good use for it but I expect it will go to help others or improve your ability to treat the animals you protect." The program concluded and the small group moved back to the reception area. In the room several onsite interviews were conducted with the PM, Governor, Mayor along with some of the Board members. As it ended the PM said his goodbyes to the Heartland team and reminded them he would be the next summer to visit. It was a great day for all.
As Amy and Ty laid in bed they were still on quite a high. The dinner discussion was all about the day and teasing Maddie about her new friend. The girls were really proud on their parents and JT as falling asleep at the table after an active play day. As they made their rounds all the girls were tired as well. Lyndy thanked he mom for letting her talk but admitted she was scared. "I talked to Wyatt and he was very proud of me, he is the best." She smiled as she hugged and kissed her parents. Amy rolled over to face her husband. "When the Prime Minster mentioned that your life was what drove us to develop this program, I was so emotional, I nearly broke down on the stage. Ty I am so proud of you, of us and how our life has turned out." She leaned into her husband kissing him with sincere passion. Ty spoke up, "First I like where this is going but what got me was when he said that raising children is the greatest accomplishment a parent can achieve. Our kids are amazing and Lyndy, she is so you, and your mom." Amy came to tears but behind them was total love and passion. She rolled on top of her love and increased the kiss, adding touches and caresses. She moved over his body quickly removing his boxers. Even with her onslaught he quickly removed her amazingly sexy negligee and the passion became a two person show. They moved in unison moaning in each other's ears. Ty brough Amy to and explosive climax and Amy returned the favor. They joined as one and loved the night away. It would definitely be a lazy morning for the Borden family.