Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One

Checking In – Recognition Earned

A/N – This last chapter was another example of what happens as I write. I enter with some basic things to do and let it flow from there. The family is definitely back in the school and work groove but the Board had a challenging issue to deal with that touched many parts of their lives. The obvious potential vulnerability of their private information along with having to deal with a family they have history with, both good and bad. I have had a lot of emotional reaction to this storyline and will put it to rest early on in this chapter. There are things I need to get to especially Lyndy's big trip with her parents and little brother. Let's hope the kids at home keep in line. I have found that my feedback is getting much more specific, which is awesome. I can take it so don't ease up and as always I would love to hear from some new folks. Thanks to all. Enjoy!

The family was inundated with questions after the press releases came out from friends, staff, clients and suppliers. Happily, overall they were all supportive and Lisa felt that the business would be minimally affected. Lisa was contacted to come on the Good Morning Calgary Show with their old friends Alex and Sam and answer questions from some of the news team. Lisa, Lou, Amy and Ty attended as well as Max who flew in for it. The interview went really well as their reputation stood in the forefront. It didn't hurt that Alex and Sam had such great respect for them. Amy was even able to get a plug in for the Second Annual Marion Fleming Special Kids Jumping Competition and both of the hosts promised to be there. Amy joked, "Well it looks like we have two volunteers!" The group laughed as the interview ended and they left to handshakes and hugs. Jack and Lisa were meeting with Val at Fairfield the same day as the planned meeting with Ashley at the Miracle Ranch. Jesse had left immediately after the meeting completely embarrassed and humiliated, well at least to his level. Val was so pleased to have some privacy with her old friend and his wife, whom over the years had grown to respect. Jack welcomed her in and they sat in one of the lounges. Ben and Jenn made sure they had drinks and assured them they would not be bothered. Val smiled at Ben, "Look at you Benjamin, I'm sure Ashley would not have been grown up enough for you at that time so long ago. Jenn he is a fine catch." As they left she smiled and whispered, "When I think of all the boys she screwed up with, well it's just a shame." Jack began, "So Val how are things with you." She put her head down after a drink of tea. "Well I have decided that I am too tired to fight anymore. I stopped my treatments and only have 6 or 7 months left. The cancer is everywhere and to be honest I need some peace. This incident has been difficult for me, especially with my son's continued blundering. I love him Jack but he doesn't have a good track record with common sense and decency." Lisa smiled and grabbed her hand, "Val are you sure." She smiled meekly, "Yes Lisa, I am ready to rest and leave what is left of my company to those two. Jesse doesn't know it but I am leaving my share to Ashley and he will keep what he has. I am hoping that she moves down to Florida as the controlling owner and to be honest I don't know what to do about Briar Ridge here. It has been struggling for years but Florida is flourishing and has been carrying the company." She smiled with the old Val gleam in her eyes and looked at Lisa and Jack, "You want to buy it? We are still not sure but the Board is leaning that way" Jack looked at his wife, "Well I am more concerned about you and your health and if the time comes we will consider it. What can we do to help?" She smiled sincerely. I have good people taking care of me and Ashley has the company and her brother in hand. Just give me a call once in a while. I have missed seeing you guys." Lisa looked at Jack and smiled, "Well I think a trip or two to Florida is in our future." Val smiled and got up to leave. Lisa hugged her tightly, whispering something in her ear. She went to Jack with tears in her eyes. As he held her frail body she sobbed softly. Her driver had returned from taking Ashley to see her old friends and helped her into the car. As she pulled away the old Val smile came to her face as she waved goodbye. Jack held his wife and whispered tearily, "We better book that trip soon."

Amy and Soraya sat on the porch as the rest of their families waited anxiously inside. Ty was telling Dillon and the kids stories about the three of them when they were young. Maddie smiled, "They were best friends weren't they?" Ty smiled giving them his answer. As the car pulled up, Amy and Soraya came down the steps to meet Ashley as she got out of the car. They warily smiled and greeted her with a slight hug. Amy spoke first, "We hope you don't mind but we would like you to meet our kids and Soraya's husband." Ashley just smiled still not able to say anything. As they walked in Ty stepped up to greet Ashley with another unexpected hug. She smiled looking at the three of them and quietly said, Thanks you for letting me see you, I know it has to be hard." As she continued, Ty interrupted, "Ashley, we just want you to meet our kids and let you three catch up. What has happened is irrelevant and over. I realize it may take a while for us to get over this but we just wanted to see you and hear about your life. It has been way too long." She smiled as Soraya introduced her to Dillon and her girls. Ashely smiled and said hello commenting, "So this is the boy from England. And your girls are beautiful." Soraya smiled clutching her hand. Amy then directed her to her clan. Ashely, this is Lyndy, Annie, Addie, Maddie, JT and Wyatt. Kids this our friend Ashley." Maddie as always walked up to shake her hand, "We are really happy to meet you." Ashley smiled, "Well you are a cute one for sure, Amy all of your kids are cute. She looked at Wyatt ready to ask a questions and Amy interrupted, "I'll fill you in later." Ashely's mouth opened when Lyndy approached her, "Amy she looks just like you and your mom, it is amazing." Lyndy smiled and went up and hugged her, "People kind of say that a lot." The room got quiet as Ty spoke up, "Well we have places to go and ice cream to eat." He kissed Amy on the cheek as the group headed out to leave the three friends alone. They sat down and Soraya laughed, "Well we couldn't go to Maggie's so we brought it here." They hesitated as Ashley sat quietly, visibly uncomfortable. Amy grabbed her hand, "Ashley, it's Ok. Soraya and I really wanted to see you before you left. Tell us about your family." She smiled and talked about her husband that she met and married almost ten years ago and her three boys, 7-year-old Luke, named after her father, 5-year-old Jack, named after Amy's grandpa and 3-year-old Seth, which was her husband's name. She smiled, I named them after the three most important men in my life. Amy when I was at my lowest, your grandpa brought me in and what he did for my mom was wonderful." The three of them smiled and talked more about their families. Ashley talked about how her only involvement in Briar Ridge was infrequent legal work. She basically had barely seen her brother and her mom was upset for years because she hadn't been more involved. "It hasn't been until the last few years that we reconnected. She spends several months a year with us in Vancouver to see me, the kids and Seth. We finally bonded like mother and daughter and as she gets sicker we travel to see her in the summer. This was a very difficult trip for her to make. Seth is a financial adviser and can work away from the office so we would spend a month or so with her." Their conversation continued as they all opened up more and more. It was time for her to leave as her and her mom were heading down to Florida to tie up some things. As they walked out on the porch, she looked out and took a deep breath, "I sure have missed this place." They smiled and tearily hugged with promises to keep up. As she got in the car, Amy and Soraya held each other arm in arm as Amy whispered, "It was good to see her." Soraya smiled in agreement.

With the drama past them the family went back to the norm of work, school and fun. Amy, Ty, Scott and the vet team finalized the presentation for the College lecture early next week. Amy and Lyndy were heading out early Thursday to get checked in and go to a welcoming reception. Although they paid a little more they were fortunate enough to book a 2-bedroom suite in the hotel provided for the teams attending the competition. Lyndy had no problem sharing one with her little brighter, although it looked like he may spend Friday night with Max and Lilly. Ty and JT were flying out early Friday as some of the preliminary competition was Friday afternoon and they wanted to be there. They had the night free so a dinner was planned at Max and Lilly's home that night but it would be an early night so Lyndy and Lilly could get their rest. Lilly was feeling strong enough to attend but they did request special seating so she wouldn't have to go up many steps. The main competition would be all day Saturday and there would be a reception and awards presentation that night. The School was hosting a Sunday breakfast to allow the Canadian travelers to be home by dinner. Everything was ready to go and Lyndy was putting some extra time practicing with the Goddard teammates that were going as well. Before they were leaving JT had a follow-up visit with the medical team that was on his case. He had been doing well over the last few weeks since the last minor episode. Amy and Ty picked him up early from school one day and headed to the hospital. All of the medical staff on the team would meet there. His case had drawn a lot of attention, not because of the diagnosis but because of the reason. With Amy and Ty's approval the lead doctor and his psychologist had contacted some sleep experts from a few other hospitals and they had been reviewing the case. They would also be in attendance via Zoom and were hoping to ask him some questions. As they were called in JT was fairly calm since he liked the team especially the lead nurse. He hopped up on the table as Amy and Ty, who were a little more anxious sat in two chairs. The lead doctor came in and greeted them, "Good to see you Amy and Ty and JT my man, what's happening." JT giggled as the older doctor tried to act cool. "Hey doc, I am good. Are you trying to be cool, it's kind of funny." He laughed, "Ok, busted. Your favorite nurse and I are going to look you over." They went through several routine checks as JT sat patiently following their questions and commands. Several times he was tickled and giggled and when he did that the nurse would egg him on. Amy and Ty were pleased with how he was listening to them and by the conversation they could see he was doing well. Amy whispered, "He is really doing well. He says he isn't a little scared but I know he is. You know how he is." JT heard them whispering as JT leaned over to look at them, "You know I can hear you guys." Amy blushed as the doctor spoke up. "Well physically you are in tip top shape kiddo. How have you been sleeping and any episode lately." Amy and Ty moved on the edge of their seats to listen.

JT smiled moving to sit on his mom's lap, "I have been sleeping good and as I am sure you know I had an episode a little while ago. But it was different, I was at school and with my friend Trent, who has seen a few of them and I knew it was coming. And I was aware of it while it happened. Does that make sense?" One of the visiting doctors on the Zoom call asked to interrupt. "Hey there JT, I am Dr. Baxter from the Daystrom Sleep Institute in Edmonton, hello Mr. and Mrs. Borden. So young man, had you ever felt this way before?" JT took a moment, "Well I think the last few times I was more aware. In the past, most of the time I didn't recall any of it." Amy and Ty nodded in agreement as Ty spoke. "Early on the scariest thing was that he had no recollection and was very upset. But like JT said this last time it seems he not only did but it was a much shorter episode. One of the teachers, who is aware of his issues, came over when Trent called her and said the same thing. Although subdued, she was able to talk with him." The team from Edmonton chatted as another team from Vancouver spoke up. "Hey everyone, I am Dr. Leonard from the Matlock CFS Center in Vancouver. "Hi everyone, JT can you describe the dreams you have when talk with your relatives." JT again thought a bit and then spoke up, "Well it is usually my grandma and great grandma and one time it was my GG's sister who passed away when she was young." This startled Amy and Ty as he had never told them. He look over to them, "Sorry for not telling you. So, usually they are on horses, Grandma Marion is on her horse Pegasus and GG Lyndy is on Spartan, who was my mom's horse. Sometimes I am just standing there and sometimes I am on another horse while we talk. They come to me when something is going on and assure me that everything will be Ok and that they are watching over everyone. The last time was because of my Grandma Lilly who is fighting cancer." The team from Edmonton stepped in. "JT do they ever reach out to physically comfort you with a hug or kiss." He chuckled, "Well they can't doc, they are spirits. I feel their comfort in my chest." The entire room went deathly silent as Amy looked at him, "What do you mean honey?" He smiled and leaned into her. "Mom, I can feel them hugging and kissing them, it is hard to explain. I also feel them at different times and I know they are there." This again prompted hushed discussions and Amy pulled him in tighter and Ty placed his hand on his back. To break the silence his favorite nurse spoke up. "So buddy, how is Grandma Lilly doing?" JT smiled brightly, "She is really doing well, I talk to her almost every day. We are going to see her in a week or so, my sister is in a dance competition in the city where they live. She really wants to come so I am coming to help. My Grandma Marion told me I should go." Again the entire group went silent. After a few minutes and a big hug from the nurse the lead doctor asked her to take JT out so they could talk. JT jumped up and went with her as he spoke, "Dr. and Mrs. Borden, I have never seen something like this. I believe the CFS is diminishing, which we expected, but now we have moved in another direction." Both teams on Zoom agreed and added their thoughts. "So we are going to have a follow up meeting with the group and with your permission will definitely get back with you, of course if you are Ok with it." Ty smiled, "Well we are happy the CFS is becoming less of an issue and we are more than happy to take whatever course you want to do." Amy spoke up, "But we never want him to feel like he is an experiment or a freak. For him this is as normal as playing with friends or going to school. We don't want to damage what he has and understand how special it is." They all agreed and the teams promised to get back with them. The lead nurse smiled and hugged Amy, "I just love him so much and I hope his grandma is doing well." They smiled and left to get their little boy

Over the next week or so the family was entrenched in school and work while preparing for the lecture and the trip. Wyatt was already instilling some rules while he would be in charge of the twins and Maddie. Katie and Clay would be staying with them as well but he was confident that he would keep them in line. Although they scoffed, they were Ok with it, especially since he could drive them places. The day of the lecture Ty, Mandy and Scott went early to get everything set up for the afternoon session. And after the college staff requested more than once, Amy was bringing Blaze and do some reigning. It seemed that no matter what, an appearance by the Miracle Girl was always a big hit. Amy, Georgie, Cass and Steven drove with the trailer. Since all of the students on their clinical rotation were attending, some of the ranch hands were brought in to the clinics until their return. They had sent a notice that the clinics would be closed all afternoon.. As they set up the crowd gathered and as usual it was a packed house. Dr. Molder welcomed the group as Dean Wortham was at a conference. He went through the history of the lecture series and introduced the vet team, who all got a resounding applause. He brought Amy up to the podium and welcomed her, mentioning that her and Georgie would be showing the link between the surgeries on the horses and their work. Then he added, "And by our request, Amy will also do a liberty session and also some reigning with her horse Blaze. You will be amazed at the relationship she has with her horse. Georgie would also be showing her Olympic lever skills but the family is excited to say that she is expecting her fourth child." The crowd erupted in applause as the two of them smiled arm in arm as Amy put her hand on her nieces small baby bump. As they settled, Ty and Scott opened up by detailing what they would be doing for the afternoon session and referred them to the handout that had all the details. As usual they would set aside time for questions. He spoke proudly, "At the midway point my amazing wife, Amy will present a liberty and reining session. Trust me, I have watched them for years and they still take my breath away. Also make sure you really focus in on the after-surgery practices we have developed, not just with Amy and the team but with all of the animals we take care of." The first half of the lecture went well and the discussion about the pig's surgery was especially well received. As always there were countless questions so the team decided to provide an email address for everyone to use who weren't able to be answered. Amy's session was the highlight of the afternoon as the other vets and Georgie couldn't help but notice the smile on Ty's face. As she finished, Scott told the group there would be a small intermission as Georgie took the microphone from him. "I just have to say that before we go to break, I think we need to give Amy another round of applause and by the way, did you all see Dr. Borden's face." They all applauded wildly hooting and hollering at her comment. The remainder of the session was a complete success as it seemed that the approach to surgical successes was a big hit. As they ended Dr. Molder spoke to them, "Guys that was amazing and like I have said we have a long waiting list of students who want to enter your clinical program and continue to have more and more kids applying to be in the program. We can't thank you enough." As they parted Ty leaned into Amy smiling, "Amy you were amazing."

The company was buzzing after the successful lecture. The story was picked up by the local media as well as Calgary stations. As expected several other universities and training facilities asked if the team could come to their campus to do a lecture as well. Although it was tempting, it was just not possible to take the time and people commitment to do it. As the vets were meeting to debrief the lecture and some upcoming surgeries, Cass presented an idea. "I know that we share the videos of all of our lecture for free with vet schools around the company and even have some companies that pay us. What if we offer to provide them by adding several of us to narrate it and answer questions live through Zoom. We could charge a small fee, which is more than appropriate and it wouldn't be too intrusive on our needs here. The benefit, the schools could have it set up in several rooms at once and we could do it all from here. Maybe we can take the meeting room at Fairfield and make it our kind of studio." Scott and Ty really liked the idea and asked her and Ellie to jot down the details and run it by the University of Calgary Team. Scott smiled, "I like it because we control the process. I do believe we should include the U of C as they were the ones who got the ball rolling. Heck they may want to co-sponsor it with us which I am all for." Ty added, "I agree with Scott, this could really help us with recruitment of employees and clients. Scott and I are having lunch today with Lou, Amy, Jack, Lisa and Max before he heads home tomorrow at Heartland so we will mention it to them." They finished up and went about the rest of their day. As expected, at lunch the group was excited about the idea. Lisa spoke up, "There will be some initial cost for us and we may need to get some outside help from a media company, but I think this will be great for business and the right thing to do. We have always shared our programs and surgical practices openly but with this we could control the audience and make a little money." Lou smiled agreeing with the money part. Amy brought up the obvious, "We need to make sure we don't stretch ourselves to thin. We are all busy and need to remember that our clients and their animals are number one." Jack leaned back with a big smile as Lisa spoke up, "What are you smiling at you old cowboy?" He leaned forward and spoke to the group, "I agree that this is a good idea but I am more pleased that Amy grounds us. Amy, your mom and grandma would have said the same thing." The table went silent as Amy went to hug her grandpa tightly. They all finished and wished Max safe travels. Ty and Amy took him to the airport to talk about their trip at the end of the week. As they dropped him off he hugged them and whispered, "Lilly is so excited to see you guys, especially her little buddy. See you soon." Amy and Ty held each other as they watched him go into the airport. She whispered, "I am excited to."

Ty had just dropped Amy and Lyndy off at the airport. Just a short time earlier the family was having breakfast and everyone wished her good luck. Amy let Wyatt and Lyndy have some time alone as everyone else cleaned up and did chores before the left for school. As they walked back it was obvious that she had been crying as Wyatt held her. They kissed goodbye as the kids waited for their bus and Wyatt was in charge. Amy smiled as she hugged Ty goodbye. Even though it was one night, she would miss him. He also hugged Lyndy tightly, kissed her forehead and wished her good luck. After another hug with Amy he headed home. Lyndy joked as the went through security, "And I thought I was sappy saying goodbye to Wyatt, you two are something else." Amy just smiled blushing at her daughter. She was really looking forward to their 24 hours together. As they exited the Denver airport they had planned to catch a cab to the hotel but lo and behold there stood Max, next to Lilly sitting on a chair looking bright eyed and waving at them. Lyndy screamed, "Mom look!" Amy smiled as they went to them for hugs and greetings. Lilly spoke up, "We couldn't let you take a cab so here we are. Let's grab some lunch and then we will take you to the hotel. And don't tell Ty and JT but we are picking them up too." Amy could only smile hugging Lilly again. They had a quick lunch at a café hear the hotel as Amy and Lyndy had to register and Lilly had a checkup and promised to share the results with them all. As they went into the auditorium, Lyndy was overwhelmed at the size of the theater they would be performing in. She saw several of her dance mates and ran over to them screaming in delight. Amy went and introduced herself to the parents she had not met yet. The girls from the team and parents got a tour of the facility and the area where they would get ready. All of the credentials were handed out and lockers were assigned. One parent had access to the back stage areas as well so Lyndy was happy Amy got that. ""Hopefully you can sneak JT back here, he would love it." They smiled and went on with the tour. Lyndy had a couple of practice times so Amy checked into the room and got all the clothes, especially her dance costumes set out. Lyndy had three separate performances on Saturday. After the practice sessions were done she went to get Lyndy and brought her up to the room. They video called home just before dinner and had a lively conversation with the folks at home. Lyndy laughed, "JT grandma can't wait to see you." He smiled, "Did you see her?" Lyndy caught herself before she said she saw her. "No mom called them when we got here and grandma is all excited about the competition and seeing you two." Amy smiled at her daughter's save as the call continued. As they ended, Amy smiled and said that she would call Ty later in the evening. Then they all allowed Lyndy and Wyatt a few private moments so in the words of JT, they could be all mushy. During the evening the Goddard team, parents and coaches went to dinner to prep for the next two days. Friday would be the Borden's family dinner at Max's where along with Lilly, several of his family members would be there as well. It was going to be a fun weekend and Lyndy, who was a little nervous, was ready to compete.

The next morning, Lyndy and her team had a planned practice session and she asked and was allowed to go with Max, Lilly and her mom topic up her dad and little brother at the airport. As soon as she was done they got in Max's big SUV and headed to the airport. The plan was to have Max and Lilly surprise as Amy and Lyndy would stand back a bit. Just as planned, as they walked through security, JT immediately saw his grandma and screamed as he ran to her. Ty stood a little bewildered as he saw the two of them waiting for them. Lilly hugged JT and as Max joined in he said, "Well we thought we would surprise you and pick you up! And look who came with us." As he gestured back Amy and Lyndy came up to great them with hugs and for Ty a kiss from his wife. They loaded up the SUV and headed back to the hotel where the Borden's were dropped off. After dropping the bags off in their room they got a quick tour of the hotel and Lyndy went with her dad for the afternoon preliminaries. Amy took JT to the indoor pool to catch some water time, which there wasn't a lot of time for at home. As they parted Ty whispered, "Are you going to wear my favorite red bikini?" She whispered, "That is only for you my love, I have my mom one piece on already." He smiled relieved, "You look beautiful in that too, but the bikini may have cause too much interest in the other men there." She blushed as Lyndy scoffed, "Come on dad you will see her later. We need to get going." Ty high-fived JT and told him to keep an eye on his mom as they headed their separate ways. When Ty walked into the auditorium for Lyndy's practice session, he was overwhelmed. She headed to the back stage as Ty took a seat by a few of the mom's he knew. It seemed that he was the only dad there and was introduced to the other moms. One of them who was recently divorced whispered, "Who is that he is really good looking." Amy's friend whispered, "That is Dr. Ty Borden and the husband of Amy so cool your jets, he is Lyndy's dad married to Amy. She huffed, "No wonder their daughter is so beautiful." The ladies all chuckled as Ty watched the session begin, amazed at how beautiful Lyndy looked. On several occasions his eyes became misty as he watched her glide across the floor." The one mom he knew was next to him, "Are you Ok dad?" He smiled blushing a little, "Well I met Amy when she was Lyndy's age and the resemblance is remarkable. And she also looks just like Amy's mom." She asked, will she be coming?" Ty looked away from his daughter and spoke softly. "Well Amy's mom died in a car accident when Amy was with her. It was right before I came to Heartland. Her mom had actually agreed to bring me there as I was kind of a mess when I was a kid. It's like she knew we could help each other and sure enough here we are." At this point Amy's friend was also a little misty eyed. She just shook her head unable to speak. As the session ended Lyndy came over to hug her dad and introduce him to some of the other girls. The divorced mom said, "Lyndy and Ty, we are all going out to get pizza tonight, do you and you wife want to come too?" Lyndy smiled, "Thank you but my grandparents live her and we are going to thiers for dinner." They smiled and headed up to the room to get ready. Max's daughter and her husband were picking them up for an early dinner. Everyone needed their sleep for the big day tomorrow.

The dinner at Max and Lilly's was a lot of fun and as expected JT convinced his parents to stay the night with them. They also made a call home to see how everyone was and it seemed all was well and Wyatt was doing a great job. Later in the evening, Ty gave Lyndy his phone so she could call Wyatt privately. It also gave Amy and Ty a chance to be alone and cuddle as well and they took advantage of a nice bath together before they went to bed. The morning start was early and Ty had some light breakfast brought in. They had to be at the auditorium by 8:00 as her sessions were at 10:30am, 1:20pm and the last one at 4:10pm. It was good that JT was with his grandparents as the waiting around would have stressed him out. There was a group reception that night and the awards would be presented. Lilly and Max were going to stay for the day but would be back the next morning to get them to the airport. The school was hosting a farewell breakfast as well in the morning. To say the next two days were packed was an understatement. Amy went with Lyndy to get her costumes set up and help with her makeup. Her first session was a group modern dance routine where Lyndy had a few solos. Right after lunch was a hip hop dance where they really would let it go. It was the competition where they were considered to be a front runner. Then the final dance was a ballet presentation with only three other dancers, who like Lyndy, were all selected to perform. Amy and Ty were secretly looking forward to it as they believed she would shine for sure. Ty went to meet JT, Lilly and Max and they got seated saving a place for Amy. After a successful first session they all grabbed a quick lunch and prepared for the second routine. Lilly sat next to Lyndy and asked, "Honey your first dance was awesome, you were definitely the best one there. It was a little too modern for this old lady but you looked so wonderful." Lyndy blushed as they all congratulated her on the performance. JT laughed, "Grandma you are not an old lady, you are a grandma." They all chuckled at his comment. Lyndy was so happy they were there as they all were doing a great job of calming her. She texted Wyatt after lunch and went again with her mom to get ready for the next dance. As they waited Ty and Max talked quietly as JT was on his grandma's lap. He whispered, "How are you doing grandma. You aren't getting too tired are you." She smiled and pulled him in closely. "Honey, with you by my side I feel strong, you are my biggest cheerleader and I love you very much." Ty and Max watched the exchange and smiled as Max put his hand on Ty's shoulder. Amy scampered back up a few minutes before Lyndy came back on stage. She gave a thumbs up as the announcer called them to the floor. As the music started they noticed very upbeat tune and the girls were in high gear. Lyndy had her dance face on for sure and was really doing well. She along with a couple other girls had small breakout routines but for the most part the group was in complete and unfaltering unison. Their performance was spectacular and the crowd reacted accordingly. This was their strongest session so far and the girls were excited as they left the stage. Amy was in tears, screaming and clapping loudly as Ty held on to her. Lilly had JT in her lap and they were clapping as well. It was something they all would not soon forget.

The last performance was amazing again as each of the four girls were in sync and energized. It was the last one of the day, so as they session ended, JT walked onto the stage and gave her sister a bouquet of roses. The audience applauded loudly and Lyndy picked up her little brother for a big hug. He squirmed a little but secretly loved it. They walked down to see the rest of her personal cheering section and Lyndy went immediately to her grandma, who was in tears. "Lyndy, that was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. You looked like you were floating on air. Thank you for letting me come see you, I will never forget it." Lyndy hugged her telling her many times that she loved her. After hugs for her mom, dad and Max she went back to get her things and met the group for one last visit. The Bordens headed up to get ready for the awards ceremony as Max and Lilly headed home. Lyndy made sure they knew they could come to the breakfast too and they said they would try but for sure they would be there to take them to the airport. As they got ready, they video called home to talk about the day as Lyndy and Wyatt had some one-on-one time as well. The awards ceremony and reception was a beautiful event. As hoped for the Goddard School Hip Hop performance achieved a first-place designation and the Modern Dance came in fifth place. The instructors and kids were overjoyed with th outcome and the families were just as proud. When the announcement for the 4-person ballet program was announced the four Goddard School girls sat close in anticipation. When it got down to the last two they were still in the running. The announcer hesitated and spoke up, "And the Winner of the final competition is…The Goddard School Team. Girls come on up." The four of them skipped up screaming and crying. All the work they had done had paid off. Lyndy couldn't wait to call Wyatt. Next morning's breakfast was a big celebration as the school had done so well. Lilly and Max made it at the end and joined in the celebration. After a happy ride to the airport and long hugs of farewell, the Bordens board their plane to head home. It had been an amazing weekend.