Chapter Eighty-Four

Contentment and Celebrations

A/N – Well there you have it. It seems Amy is on a good path and the support of her family and especially Ty is stellar. Celene was a fun person to write about, I may have to bring her back. As I mentioned it is time for Ty and Wyatt to grow their relationship and it will continue with influence from Jack. It reminds me a little of the Luke storyline in the show. And I never had daughters but I will discretely wordsmith the Wyatt/Lyndy thing. I have tried to interject that they are pretty mature and don't worry things will work out. Lyndy is so much like her mom and I will continue to develop that. We will change gears a little moving onto activities for the kids and the Day Care Center and whatever I come up with on the fly. Mature Content Enjoy!

A good normal had descended on the Borden family, at school and work. Amy's visits with Celene continued and she was feeling so much better. Ty and Amy had grown fond of Celene and her husband and actually had them over to the ranch a couple of times. It seemed they both loved horses but living in the city didn't give them a chance to ride. When they were over for dinner, the kids were extremely polite and were getting very comfortable with them. When Amy and Celene talked, the kids and Ty were always a major part of their conversation. Celene was confident that Amy's ability to control her dreams would be linked to her kids support and love. And Ty, who was her partner for life would be intimately involved in the process moving forward. She continued to be astounded of their loving relationship. After everything they went through together in life, reaching the point they were at now was a true love story. Maryanne was also vigilant in her support of her friend. She called regularly and talked to Celene as well, which was more than Ok with Amy. Throughout her life Amy had only a few friends. She had lost contact with some but still regularly talked to Soroya and Mallory. Ty noticed that Celene, Maryanne and Amy were becoming closer. He felt good to see that she had them to talk to. He loved his wife more than anything but knew that from time to time getting the opinion of another women was needed. One day he was in the office and Amy came in smiling. He laughed, "Let me guess you just had a check in from Maryanne didn't you?" She smiled bashfully, "Yea, she is such a good friend. I really like Celene too. I really think along with you, the kids and their support I am going to be able to manage my dreams moving forward." She hesitated and continued, "Ty you know that I love you and I don't want you to feel like I need them more than you." He put his hand up, "Amy when I see you three together even on the phone it makes me feel so good. I know I am kind of your go-to man but I think it is nice that you have those guys to talk to." She smiled and hugged him tightly, "I know I am just being weird and you are my go-to guy, so maybe tonight we can see how that plays out." He laughed and in the words of Clint said, "Duly Noted."

School for the kids was going well. All of them continued to enjoy their classes, projects, teachers and friends. Every night the family talked about their days and school was a major part of the conversation. One night when Celene and Ollie joined them for dinner they were overwhelmed with the interaction. After dinner they went with Ty and Amy on a walk of the grounds while the kids did their nightly study session. While walking Celene had to speak up. "Amy and Ty you kids are beyond amazing. They are so close and good together. And Wyatt it is like he has always been here and his story is pretty cool." Amy timidly asked, "I have never asked this but no kids for you?" Celene smiled, "Well we were going to wait until Ollie got closer to retiring from hockey. But we found out that we couldn't have children which is Ok. We have each other and if needed moving forward I can borrow yours. Plus we have a lot of nieces and nephews." Without words Amy hugged her new friend tightly. Ty spoke to Ollie but the ladies could hear to, "You can borrow our kids any time you want but I need to warn you Maddie can be a bit overwhelming." Celene whispered, "Don't tell the others but that is why I like her the most, she is a hoot." They headed back to the house just as the study session was ending. The kids all hugged and said goodbye to Celene and Ollie telling them to come back again and go for a ride with them. Maddie spoke up, "I know you guys may need some assistance but I can help you out, I am a great teacher." Celene winked at Amy and Ty and hugged her, "Maddie I will take you up on that, just make sure you find me a gentle horse." Maddie pondered her request. You can ride horse, Mystic, she is the gentlest horse here." Celene couldn't even respond and hugged her again. Amy and Ty walked them to their car and the kids got ready for bed. Celene thanked them again, got in their car and headed home.

Addie, Annie and Maddie had begun preparation for the show jumping season. They were determined to repeat their success from the year before. Although they would miss watching their sister Lyndy compete she still planned to do some non-competitive events and a couple that were for charity. She was excited because she would do them with Katie and her mom. The other girls were very happy that she now had time to work with each of them, especially since Georgie and Amy would not be available as much. Georgie was less than two months from her due date and Amy was very busy with the increasing workload of client horses. Lyndy and Katie were now their coaches and all three of them were excited. They were all training at a higher level than they would be competing at. Georgie recommended that to them as that is what she did throughout her career. Training was going well as the preseason events were signed up for. Maddie came to her mom and Katie one day with a look on her face. Amy immediately asked, "Ok what is up, it looks like you have something to ask." Maddie smiled, "Gwen has shown interest in competition, can she Mom? You know she is a really good rider and I am sure she can do it." Amy smiled at her caring daughter. "Of course she can so we will have you and Lyndy start working with her. I will talk to her parents." Maddie smiled broadly, "Thank you mom, she is going to be excited." Gwen's parent were a little concerned so Amy assured them that she would check personally to see was safe competing. She also mentioned to them that she had checked with the Show Jumping Association and they have developed adaptive rules and she was confident Gwen would be able to compete. She added, "To be honest she is such a good rider I think she can enter competitions with kids her age and not have a need for any assistance, but we will see." They were satisfied and were interrupted by their daughter running to hug them. The laughed and realized it was a good suggestion.

Back on the home front the Journal Storage Room was completed and Jack was extremely pleased with the final product. Lisa laughed, "Good lord Jack you worry more about that room that you do your cows." He laughed and responded solemnly, "I know, but I want it to be perfect for the family and most of all for Amy. This room means a lot to her and she needs it to be perfect. She has done so well with Celene and I hope this room is a part of the recovery process." Lisa hugged him tightly in approval. The family decided to have a small grand opening ceremony inviting anyone who wanted to attend. The Good Morning Calgary show decided to send just a film crew to document the event so they could show a follow up on air. The ceremony was scheduled in the afternoon after the kids got home from school. The crowd was going to be larger than expected as many of the staff and friends had committed to come. Lou and Lisa decided to have drinks and light snacks available. They guessed high on the total, figuring the leftovers would be easily taken care of. During the school day the kids were excited sharing the news with all of their friends. Several planned to attend and word spread throughout school and for that part most of Hudson. Jack and Lou decided that they would put the tent up just outside the Quonset hut doors which would be open so everyone could see the room. Tables were brought in from Fairfield for snacks and drinks and a small stage with a PA system was set up for Jack, Amy and other family. Lou laughed, "So much for a small gathering, I think we are ready for over 200 if needed." Georgie laughed, "GG will not be happy when his grass is filled with cars, thank goodness he hasn't seeded yet.

When the Borden kids got home they immediately saddled up and headed over to Heartland. JT rode with Wyatt and as they arrived the buzz was already happening. The untacked the horses and let them out into the field. The horses seemed as interested as the people as they stood along the fence watching. Katie laughed, "Look at them, they are loving all the attention they are getting." Clay, Wyatt, Lyndy and her looked over as the guest were all petting them. Five minutes before the ceremony, Jack let everyone know to settle. The film crew was set up in two different places as it seemed they were prepared for a large crowd. Jack took the podium, usually an uncomfortable place for him and welcomed everyone. He also thank the crew from Good Morning Calgary for coming and well and told them to make sure they got something to eat. The crowd laughed. He began, "The family would like to welcome to you a very exciting celebration for us. Now we hadn't planned for such a grandiose event but we are happy to share this with all of you. As you all know a while back my three-year old Great Grandson found a hidden treasure right over there in the cellar of our ranch house. JT giggled and yelled out, "That was me!" Everyone laughed again as he ran up into his GG's arms. "Yes, JT that was you. Can I go on or do you want to take over." JT blushed and smiled hiding his face in Jack's shoulder. The TV show producer whispered into the cameramen's ear, "This is pure gold." Jack continued, "Anyway JT found a large box filled with well over 100 journals that were from my first wife, Lindy Bartlett and her father, Thomas Payne. The legacy of horse healers in our family goes back now 5 generations, from my father-in law to my great granddaughters, Georgie, Katie and Lyndy. It is a legacy we hope continues on for generations to come." A yell was heard from the crowd as Caleb spoke up, "Man Jack you are pretty old!" Everyone burst out in laughter as a very pregnant Cass punch his arm.

Jack got some control back and continued. "Thank you Caleb and I am sorry for you Cass. So let me continue. The finding of these journals, called The Discovery, was a blessing to our entire family. As I mentioned my wife Lyndy and Thomas Payne were renowned horse trainers during a time when the belief that a horse couldn't be healed. But I am not the one to get into the details so my great granddaughter and her mom will. So let me ask them to come to the podium." A tentative Amy, holding Ty's hand and Lyndy headed up to the microphone. Amy whispered to her daughter and Lyndy stepped up to speak. "I know most of you know me but I am Lyndy Marion Borden, the oldest daughter of Dr. Ty Borden and the Miracle Girl Amy Borden." The crowd applauded and laughed at the same time as Lyndy blushed. She continued, "But as you can tell by my name I am also the great granddaughter of Lyndy Bartlett, granddaughter of Marion Fleming and Great-great granddaughter of Thomas Payne. No pressure for sure." Again the crowd laughed and the news cameras were capturing everything. "When JT found these journals it gave us a broader vision of our legacy and who we are. My mom, Georgie, Katie and my sisters have spent hours and hours looking through them and have been amazed at the similarities between their work and what we do today. Not to steal my mom's thunder but right when we started, she found journal logs talking about a horse her grandma was working with. It was a remarkably similar process and issue that my mom had with Spartan, the horse that began her on the path she is on today. Spartan was very important to her and our family and we lost him not to long ago. What has been amazing is that we have found multiple examples of their work that lines up with what we do today." She took a second to gather herself as her mom held on to her. "Seeing the look in my mom's eyes as she looks over the journals has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. We all love my mom and to see the impact these have on her is something we all will never forget." Lyndy broke down and hugged both her mom and dad together. Through their tears the crowd applauded as the rest of the kids joined them in a family embrace.

As the group settled and Ty stepped in. "I think before we officially dedicate the Journal Storage Room, I want to give some detail on the work that has been going on with the journals. And I think my wife and girls need some time to recover." He had picked up JT and looked over as they were all still huddled together, supporting each other. "Well since they were discovered, Amy, my girls, Georgie and Katie have been looking through them and putting them in order of time. Thanks to a request from the Prime Minister's office a representative from the Restorations Department of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. came to spend some time providing some guidance and tools to also bring them back to life. Many of the writings had to be cleaned up and even written over. He also helped with the specifications for our storage room along with some other support. I am happy to say that Mr. Harry Gladstone is here with us today." Ty pointed to him to wave to the crowd and they applauded. "So although this is a family legacy project it is also one that our partners at the University of Calgary have joined as well. With their support, these journals will be added to the one's we have from Marion, Amy and the future horse healers in our family as a part of a digitized set of recommendations and ideas on how to treat a horse in need. And as my wife would say some of the owners too. The addition of the guidance from these journals will be completed soon and will continue to be available for other Universities in Canada, the US and any who else who request it. We have had request from European and South American universities and will provide it for just the cost of production. It is also available for the general public for a modest cost but any profits or any donations will be donated to the Equine Association of Alberta." He stopped for the as the crowd applauded. "It is not our intention to make this a profit generating venture, but simply to share the work of these amazing family members. For us that is the legacy we want to share with anyone interested."

Again a little more robust applause came from the audience. He waved up Amy, Lyndy, Georgie, Katie, Jack and Lou. Clay and Wyatt had rigged up a long ribbon that they could cut and the six of them were handed, in typical country fashion a set of pruning shears with and engravement marking the occasion. Before the official ribbon cutting Ty knew that Amy wanted to say something so he looked at her and she smiled letting him know she was ready. He held her hand and went to the podium with him by her side and everyone close to her standing behind. She began, "I want to thank you all for coming here today to celebrate this event. I means so much to our family to see this come together. Thanks to the University of Calgary and The Smithsonian for their support as well. But most of all thanks to my husband, my kids, my nieces, my sister and most of all my grandpa Jack Bartlett and his wife Lisa Stillman for having this built at Heartland, our family's home. None of this would have been possible without everyone's support." She hesitated to gather herself and Ty grabbed her arm in support. "When my mom died I was lost. Thanks to my sister, grandpa, this guy next to me and my horse Spartan, I was able to realize my calling. These journals are a testament of our family's legacy which is to help horses and their owners recover and strive." Looking at her grandpa' approval she continued, "I had been debating but after I talked with those close to me we decided that I needed to tell everyone of one additional journal. When we found the box there was on journal that stood out. When my daughter Lyndy opened it we found a letter written from my Grandma Lyndy to my mom. And we also found a letter written from my mom to me."

At this point Amy was in tears but pushed to continue. "These letter were personal and reminded us of the responsibility we have to continue the legacy that God had given us. Grandma Lyndy's letter was written 2 weeks before cancer took her from us. My mom on a premonition wrote one two weeks before she passed. What shook me to the core was that when I had my cancer scare I told Ty that I also wrote letters to him and the kids. The one to Lyndy was very similar to what these two amazing women wrote. When my mom read the letter from her mother, she placed it in a separate folder and put it in the box that she hid in the cellar. When she wrote her letter to me she placed it for me to see when the box was found. And we all know JT took care of that. A lot of us believe that my mom and grandma led him to the box so we could find it and eventually add it to ours. This room will be available for anyone to come and visit. There will be shelves for the journals and several tables with chairs to look them over but that one special journal will be for us only. We just hope they help you if you need it. For me they are not just instructions they are allowing me to talk with my past and learn from them. Thank you again for joining us today." A tearful crowd passionately applauded and the stage was filled with hugs. The producer who was in tears as well, whispering to the cameraman not to miss a shot. Jack stood up as Maddie yelled out, "Let's cut the ribbon GG!" The crowd erupted in laughter and the family members grabbed the pruning shears and on a count of three the ribbon was cut to a rousing applause.

After the ribbon was cut the family opened the doors and the crowd was allowed to look over the room. Everyone was impressed with it and many couldn't wait to book some time to look over them. The family mingled with the audience to many hugs and congratulations. The producer walked over to Amy and Ty and hugged them both. "You guys this was the most amazing thing I have ever covered. I can't wait until I show this to the Morning Crew. They are going to be as overwhelmed as me. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of it." Ty thanked them and went back to the dwindling crowd with Amy holding on to her. She was emotionally exhausted so Annie and Addie got her some water and some light snacks to eat. After everyone left the family sat around to gather themselves from the emotional day. Annie smiled at her mom, "Mom I think it was cool that you shared the letter story with them. I know it is just for us but I feel it needed to be said. We are all so proud of our family and those letters, they just make us even prouder." She ran to hug her mom and everyone school their heads in agreement. Everyone went home and the Borden kids were ready for bed. It had been a tiring afternoon and everyone was exhausted. Amy and Ty made the rounds and gave extra hugs to all of the kids thanking them for being a part of the ceremony. When they made it to their room they got ready for bed. Ty looked over to Amy as she brushed out her hair. He could tell she was completely spent as her motions were lethargic. He got up and walked over to her, "I think you hair is brushed and it seems you are somewhere else." He kneeled down to hug her as she whispered, "I was just thinking that I think mom and grandma wound be proud of what we have done. And Grandpa was beaming the entire time. Ty, it was so wonderful." She leaned into his shoulder almost falling asleep. He picked her up and softly laid her in bed. He came in behind her and pulled the covers over them, cradling her from behind. The both whispered, "I Love You" and fell into a peaceful sleep.

As expected the news of the Storage Room hit the air waves with a bang. The family developed an online scheduling process so people outside of family and staff could book a time to control the flow of people viewing it. The family decided on the process and when they were available would be there with the visitors. Family staff and close friends were good on their own but outsiders were interested, including several universities in Canada and the NW US who sent delegations. When they came someone was there to provide additional information as needed. Amy made sure she was there when an individual came to look at them. She had a special determination to help those who are trying to do this on their own, like her family had done. Life continued on for the happy and content Borden family. The business was doing well. The made an offer to the new Vet and Amanda Ross was on the payroll. Her time was limited since she was preparing for finals but they were confident she would pass with flying colors in fact there was a good chance she would be the valedictorian. The team really felt good and Amanda Ross and her fiancé Colton had already been at some activities and were fitting in nicely. Scott and Ty were especially pleased with her surgical skills as they expected that the need would continue to rise. Although not official yet she was already being called Dr. Mandy which was the name she preferred. The next big happening was the official opening of the Day Care Center. The full and volunteer staff had been there already setting up things. Many of the volunteers were provided specific infant and toddler first aid training as well as some cognitive and behavioral guidance. The Board had decided to have a child behavioral therapist on retainer as needed as well as a doctor service on call. The only paid staff would be Marjorie Moore, the mother of one of the ranch hands who would be managing the facility as well as two part time receptionists/administrative assistants to handle the desk and billing. Although many of the workers were volunteering and receiving a discount they still planned to have an incentive program rewarding them with gift cards to show their appreciation.

The official grand opening ribbon cutting and open house were planned to the upcoming Saturday morning so plans were underway. Invitations had been sent and the local media caught wind of it as well. The Morning Show again planned to send a camera crew and several local newspapers were seeing reporters. Day Care Centers weren't a new thing but on-site ones were a bit of a novelty. Drinks and light snacks were again on the menu and Wyatt and Clay set up a ribbon on the steps of the center. The team would speak so a stage wasn't needed but Clay made sure a microphone and speakers were ready to go. A while back the company had bought their own system as it was needed often throughout the year. It was decided that Amy, Georgie, Cass and Marjorie would present and cut the ribbon with one oversized scissors they could all grab together. They anticipated a big crowd but were a bit overwhelmed with the turnout. A lot of staff brought their families and of course their kids who would be going there. The Borden's were pleased to see Will, Billy and Bethany there in her wheelchair. The girls all went to her and hugged her gently and JT went to save his buddy from all the women. All the media was there and set up and Alex, from the morning show surprised them by coming as well to report on it and bring her two kids to see the facility. Several business leaders as well as government officials from Hudson and Calgary had asked if they could attend and showed up as well. All together well over a hundred people were there. Lou leaned over to whisper to Lisa, "Thanks goodness we have way to much food, I can't believe this crowd. You know this is just going to be a break even venture but the positive vibe it brings will be invaluable." Lisa smiled at her, "In all my years doing good things always brings more to you than making a lot of money. The is a really good thing."

As the time approached Amy took to the microphone to get the crowd to settle. Once quieted she began. She looked at Ty and smiled and he marveled at how beautiful she looked this morning. Along with her dress cowboy boots she had a beautiful blue dress the fit her nicely but modestly. She had a nice shawl over her shoulders that covered them to keep her warm. He hair was not in typical ponytails but layered and fell lightly over her shoulders. But what caught his attention was her beautiful smile and those bright blue eyes. She blushed a bit as he gawked at her and mouthed "I love you" to her. She gathered herself but before she spoke Georgie leaned over to her, "Would you guys stop, it's embarrassing." Amy discreetly stuck her tongue out and began to speak. "Good morning everyone had thank you for coming. We are overwhelmed with the turnout but pleased that all of you came here to help us celebrate the opening of the Heartland Equestrian Experience Day Care Center. I am Amy Borden and along with the three women behind me we are excited about being able to provide these services to our employees and friends. And as you can see the two ladies behind me on chairs will be able to use it as soon as they have their babies, which I hope for Georgie isn't on the stage." Everyone laughed and now it was Georgie's turn to stick her tongue out at her. So, the tongue sticker outer as you know is Georgie Weber and next to her is Dr. Cassandra O'Dell. They played an intricate roll in coming up with this idea and developing the concept. We had no idea what to do but their passion and the help of many others have gotten us to today. The other person up here with me is Marjorie Moore. Many of you may recognize her as the head nurse from Hudson's Hospital. Well after 35 years of service and retirement, she graciously offered her services to manage the center. She calls herself part time but trust me she is all in. And for her a bonus will be that her son, who is a ranch hand and his wife will be bringing her two granddaughters here as well. Don't worry she will spend time with others as well. Anyway before we cut this ribbon I want to remind you that we will open the facility for you to walk through as well as providing drinks and light snack items for everyone. Hey and the kids can try out the playroom and playground as well as our volunteers will be stationed throughout the facility. Thanks to my sister and Lisa for organizing that and also I want to thank Clay and Wyatt for the ribbon, and sound system. I think Katie and Lyndy would say that they are pretty cool guys." She looked over as the girls blushed and put their arms around their men. "So before we move on I want to invite Marjorie Moore to say a few words."

After a brief talk about her experience and how excited she was to run this center Marjorie called up the other three and they all grabbed the large scissors. On the countdown they all cut the ribbon to a round of applause and a lot of film and pictures begin taken. As the guest walked through the facility they were very impressed with the functionally and layout. The center had a kitchen, several nice playrooms, a napping room, educational rooms and a nurses station. Outside was even better with a very large fenced in play yard and state of the art playground equipment with all the bells and whistles. But the best thing was the view of the open pasture with the wild herd of horses and the Rockies. It was breathtaking. Alex from the morning show walked around with Amy and Marjorie and took a video tour of the facility and to say she was impressed was an understatement. The newspapers interviewed Georgie and Cass and they asked Bethany to join them as well. All three of them had input on the center's design and the reporters couldn't stop asking them all when they were due and how they were doing. The three of them sat on their comfy chairs as Maddie and Gwen made sure that had drinks and something to eat. One reporter laughed, "So it seem you have your own support team, it is so cute." Georgie laughed, "Well if you haven't met my cousin Maddie this is all her doing. She is our self-designated caretaker and she is something." The others laughed as Maddie shushed them.

It was midafternoon when the event died down and the family was left to recover. The kids from the youth program volunteered to clean up so the family all hugged and headed home to relax. The Borden's were all tired so they ordered pizza for dinner, watched a movie and headed to bed. After quick good nights Amy and Ty went to get ready for bed. Amy was combing her hair with a smile on her face. Ty couldn't help but

notice her silly grin and asked, "What's up with you there horsey girl?" She smiled at him, "Well with the Storage Room and the Day Care opening I am just really happy. It's so amazing to see these things happen and I just have to think GG, my mom and GG Lyndy are very happy. And I did notice the look you gave me earlier. What were you looking at?" She headed to bed to join and he answered her. "Well you looked extremely beautiful in that dress and you were so amazing talking about the center." He blushed, "But I have to tell you the truth, I was imagining what it would be to see you out of the dress later." She slowly slipped off her pajamas and helped him off with his. "So is this what you imagined?" Flabbergasted he whispered, "Uh huh." The kissed, touched and aroused each other. When the time was right Ty hovered over her and they joined as one. Their movements were in sync as they joined together in their love. Moans increased as each of them came to their peak. Amy reached several until they were both ready to explode in their love making. They gazed into each other's eyes as Ty filled his wife with his love for several minutes. When they finished they laid side by side continue to kiss each other. Their love was unmatched and they both were on top of the world. It would be a while but eventually they fell asleep in each other's embrace.