Chapter Nineteen
The Past And The Future
A/N – Well a little bump for sure but I think you will agree that life is not always smooth as silk. The accident is a personal thing for me because when I was in my early 20's the same thing happen to me except my injuries were less severe. I was broadsided and was pushed into a light pole and my car was a twisted mess. Ironically, I was not wearing a seatbelt as it was not a law back then and the police said that was why I wasn't hurt worse – Crazy! Desi will continue to heal and the Borden kids can see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially our college seniors. I'm planning to have some fun with the documentary in preparation for the upcoming Board meeting. The new members need to be brought up to speed and there is a lot of team decisions to make as well as bringing Ashley into the mix. And now that Desi is on the mend it is time for the kids to finish the school year with a major focus on Lyndy and Wyatt. And without fail, I will make sure I have some Amy and Ty things happening as well. The summer is going to be packed with a lot of great storylines and I hope to give them al l the time they need to develop. Please keep letting me know how I am doing as your reviews mean a lot to me. I am not about quantity but I have noticed as expected my readership is not at the level of my first story, which again is not why I write. I do hope that for those reading, find this this story to be an interesting and intriguing read. Mature Content – Enjoy!
RRR (Reader Review Responses) Guest thanks again and I like any others, it seems everyone wants Desi to get better soon.
Lyndy slowly opened her eyes as the sun had just begun to come through the window of their bedroom at the apartment. She squinted and then smiled as she felt a warm body behind her. She was happy it was Friday and even more excited that in about a month they would be college graduates. She blushed, remembering the night before too. They had decided on a date for their wedding and then had an amazing love making session where on several occasions she had to put her hands over her mouth to control her moans. She even had to stifle Wyatt a few times too. They stayed up way to late but it was well worth is and they each only had one class late mid-morning. After they were done they were going to visit Desi and then head home. They had decided that would announce the date at their graduation party and had finally agreed on the weekend between Christmas and New Years. They had both always wanted a holiday wedding like their parents so in the end the decision was easy. She smiled again as she felt Wyatt move behind her. She felt his strength as he cuddled his arms around her whispering, " Good morning, I love you Lyndy Borden." She rolled over realizing that they had never put their pajamas back on feeling all of him. "Hmm, this feels nice. You are quite a handsome man Wyatt Miller." The kissed sweetly and as they continued, things heated up a bit. She smiled blushing as she reach down his stomach, "Seems you are enjoying this." He move his hands to her soft breast smiling, "You too." They carried on getting more and more intimate when they were interrupted by banging on the door. Annie yelled, "Come on you two, we need a ride to school and then home, class is in 30 minutes." Lyndy sighed and yelled back, "We'll be out in 10 minutes, have some coffee ready." She looked into his eyes, "Raincheck lover boy." As promised the disheveled couple came out with the school bag and backpacks for home. Maya laughed, "Oh did Annie interrupt something?" Bella added, "You two seemed a little noisy last night." Lyndy's blush increased as she spoke flustered, "Whatever, I can't wait to be in our own place and ditch you young people." They all laughed as they headed out to Wyatt's truck for the 10 minute ride to school. Bella and Maya sat on the porch watching them leave as Maya whispered, "I am really going to miss those two." After dropping Lyndy and Annie off the guys headed to their class. Jeremy spoke up, "So last night huh." Wyatt smiled, "Watch and learn kid." They got back in the truck after class and headed to Desi's house, bringing some lunch. Addie was already there since her class on Friday was cancelled. When they pulled up they were surprised to see him and Addie on the front porch. Lyndy got their first and spoke, "Look at you all mobile." Addie smiled with pride, "Yep the therapist said he could start taking short walks so we ended up here to wait for you." Wyatt smiled, "That's awesome man, you are doing great." Desi smiled grabbing Addie's hand, "Well I have a pretty caretaker although at times she can be a bit over the top." She smiled and poked his good leg, "Hey you, there are still parts of your body I can poke at so you better behave. They all laughed, visited for a while and headed to the Miracle Ranch. The morning had been good and being home would be even better for the young couple. She saw her mom standing outside on of the round pens, in front of her dad talking aggressively with someone. She poked at Wyatt, something is wrong, my mom looks really upset.
It was a quiet morning for Amy and Ty as Maddie and JT had left for school. They had a little time, so they sat on the porch finishing their coffee and tea before they heading over to the office to start the day. There morning was not too busy and they were excited because all of the kids were going to be home the entire weekend. The plan was to spend some time together and then they were putting a meal together, with help from Maggie's and taking it over to Desi's house to share with his family and spend time with the recovering patient. Maya and Bella along with Desi's sisters and their families were coming too so all together it was going to be over 20 people. Also at lunch today they were having lunch with Caleb, Cass, Steven, Georgie, Katie, Clay, Haley and Rusty at the house to have a working lunch that Lou would be sending over for them. Lou and Lisa would join too to talk about the Equine Center, the Documentary and a little about the upcoming Board Meeting. Ellory was asked to join as well to talk about the documentary, which was next week. The core group of the Equine Center team were going to enjoy the time together. Ty and Amy were in the house talking with Caleb and noticed a couple of the ranch hands walking with earnest their way. He glanced at Ty and the two of them headed out to meet them on the porch. The first ranch hand to arrive was breathless and spoke quickly, "Dr. Borden there is this guy who is causing a ruckus and is asking for Ty Borden. A couple of the guys have him under control but he was throwing stuff around. I think he is drunk because he is staggering around and one of the guys saw him drive up and he was all over the place. We called the Hudson police but he kept saying he needed to see you, like now." Ty and Caleb gathered themselves as Amy came out to see what was up. As soon as she saw the look on the two ranch hand's faces she knew something was up. "Hey, what's up?" The ranch hand filled her in repeating what he told Caleb and Ty. After he finished, they headed over, walking swiftly. They noticed concerned looks on many of the staff as they walked into the barn. It was hard not to notice a huddled group of cowboys holding down a little less irate person. One of the vet techs was walking over with a large cup of coffee. Amy grabbed Ty's arm as they walked over as the huddle group parted. Ty's mouth dropped open and Amy's face grew angry. They both were shocked as they looked at a person from their past that caused a slight rift between them that soon was reversed. Amy thought about how the person in front of them took advantage of the troubled past of her husband and brought out the insecurities of his upbringing. Her thoughts were only of him and protecting him from this so called friend. All Ty could muster was "Joe, is that you?" Immediately Caleb took a defensive position between Ty and his former juvenile delinquent friend, shouting, "Hey what are you doing here pal." Immediately the group sensed confusion, tension and anger in the three of them as they moved outside and Amy began her onslaught. After they parked, Lyndy and Wyatt headed over from the house had come over as well, not able to stay away. Joe sat there, half the man he used to be. Rusty and Wyatt moved several of the onlookers away so Ty, Amy and Caleb along with the young couple could find out why he was here and what was up. Amy was livid barraging him with questions, getting in his face, as to why after all these years he was back and on top of that drunk. She was incensed with him and was in his face as he slumped against the barn wall. Finally Ty pulled her off as she was so upset she could barely catch her breath. Lyndy stepped in and grabbed her mom, pulling her away. She didn't fully understand what was up but she had never seen her mom this upset.
Wyatt went to Ty and Caleb and spoke up, "Hey what was up with that? I have never seen her so upset, like ever." Ty answered, "It's a long story, but can you and Lyndy take Amy back to the house, we are going to have a little lunch meeting and she will need help getting ready. Food is coming at noonish and she knows who is invited." Wyatt smiled as he looked over to Lyndy and the took a calmer Amy over to the house. Rusty and a few ranch hands gathered up his old use to be friend and moved him to one of the smaller meeting rooms. He was also calmer but still not stable. Caleb offered to stay and wait for the RCMP as Ty went to figure out why he had come back in such a destructive manner. As he entered the room he was seated and two of the larger ranch hands were just behind him. Rusty continued to get him to cool down and he seemed Ok until Ty walked in. He raised up out of his seat as the two men behind him held him steady. He spoke up, "Ty, buddy, why are these guys roughing me up. I just came to see my old friend. I'm in trouble man and I need help." He continued, "I have been seeing you on TV and the internet, you guys are doing well I see. Remember why? It was because of me and you owe me." Ty stayed composed, "Listen man we were all over this the last time you tried to steal drugs from me to pay off some debt. You did not save me, you just decided to protect me from the cops. We have made what Amy and I are today, not you. Remember when you tried to run away from that ranch you were working at when you were in jail. Actually, I saved you." Joe's eyes widened and the rage returned. "You should have let me go and the next time you should have let me take the drugs or lent me the money. Those guys caught up with me and put me in the hospital and then back in jail. Ty, I have never seen my son, he is older and never wants to meet me." Ty looked at him, ""Well Joe, I can't do anything about that, you made your own bed. I wanted to help you and then you tried to steal drugs from the clinic and pulled a knife on me. Do you call that being a friend?" Ty hesitated, "Why are you here?" Joe sunk his head down. "I owe a guy a lot of money and if I don't pay he is going to kill me. Ty, I owe him $25K and I need your help. I mean look at this place, you must be a multi-millionaire, that's chump change for you." Ty hesitated again remembering how he had helped him so many years ago but then a memory flashed before him. It was when Amy told him that he was a decent man and became better on his own. She also was adamant that he owed Joe nothing. As he prepared to speak, Caleb walked in with Wyatt and two RCMP officers. "Joe, it never changes with you. You are always looking for the easy way out. If I give you the money, how long before you need more." Ty was mad and wanted to continue but the officer interrupted, "Dr. Borden, you don't need to worry about that. This guy has so many charges against him, he won't see the light of a free day for a long, long time. We have charges of burglary, robbery with intent to do harm, auto theft, destruction of property and two counts of attempted murder along with kidnapping. His rap sheet is a mile long and he has warrant out in 4 provinces and in the U.S. I don't expect he will come back to bother you again. Actually we have been tracking him for a while but he slipped away in Hudson. We are really happy you called." Joe just sat there realizing that everything he had done had caught up with him. Ty spoke as Amy came back with a concerned Lyndy holding her arm. "Joe, what happened to you man, how could it end this way." He sat silently as the officers handcuffed him and read him his rights. Amy went to Ty and held on to him as he shook after the confrontation. As he was loaded into the cruiser, she whispered into his ear, "Ty Borden, you are a good man and have worked hard to be a decent and kind person. No one can take that away from you." Things settled and everyone got back to work, Amy reminded them that lunch would be at noon in the farm house. She also made a note to call Soraya and convince Ty that he should meet with her. Her business was doing well but she was still on retainer with the company to help any of the employees that needed her. Caleb came over the comfort his best friend, "Hey buddy, I need you to look at one of the ranch horses real quick, he is limping a bit." Amy smiled and mouthed to him, thank you and they all headed on their way.
The little lunch meeting ended up to be just what Ty needed and as a bonus, Lyndy, Annie and Wyatt were there too. Lou and Lisa casually went over several things for the small group about the Board meeting, which was planned for the week after the Documentary was completed. Ellory talked about the Documentary and mentioned that they producers agreed that they could see pre-edited version before it was released, so she hoped the Board Meeting would be the best place to do it. Lou agreed with that and would make sure they allotted time for it. Ty was reserved but engaged especially when they brainstormed about the Equine Center and things that would help improve the operation. Although things were going very well there were some fine tuning ideas they discussed. Lyndy and Katie took notes and said they would write the ideas up and work with Caleb to get some cost estimates. Amy smiled and leaned into Ty, "Look at our little girl, she is becoming quite the businesswoman." He smiled, but still seemed distracted. As lunch finished everyone headed out and there was a knock on the door. Amy had asked Lyndy to get with Soraya and when Ty opened the door, a smiling face said hello and came in hugging him tightly. Amy saw his shoulders relaxed and realized that although risky, she had made the right call. Ty's emotions at times could be difficult to expose but if anyone can her best friend could. Lyndy had stayed back and took her mom's hand, "Well mom I need to look at that new horse." Ty smiled looking at them both as his eyes understood what he needed to do. He kissed his daughter's cheek and hugged Amy tightly, kissing her forehead, I will see you in a bit." He smiled and offered Soraya some coffee and left over desert. She smiled as they went to sit in the living room. After a few seconds she smiled and grabbed her notebook, "So, Amy tells me you have a visitor from the past, do you want to talk about it?" Over the next half hour or so he went through all the details of the day and his past with Joe. Some things were difficult but as always Soraya had a way of getting him to open up. She smiled and took some notes and when he finished, he put his head in his hands and looked at her tearing up, "Soraya that could be me instead of him. I could be the one going to jail and living a life like his. That's what is bothering me the most. If it wasn't for Amy, Heartland and people like you I would never have what I have now. I am so blessed to have you all and to see what Amy and I have accomplished overwhelms me some time." Soraya gave him a minute and then took his hands looking deeply into his eyes. "First Ty thanks for being so open with me. In my job that is not always the case. Now in your case it is a little different since I have kind of watched the two of you and all your craziness." He smiled, "Yea, we were a mess at times, weren't we." She laughed, "Yes, but there was one thing that everyone saw, you two have always adored each other, even when you were at odds. The two of you are a benchmark for love and for one I am jealous. I love Dillon completely but to this day, watching how you guys interact is amazing. So enough of the mushy stuff. I understand why this upsets you. This brought back your past, which I know was difficult and confusing for you." He smiled and meekly shook his head in agreement as she continued. "But there is one thing you are not realizing, well I mean you do but at times you forget. Ty, you have been blessed coming here, because more than most, I know what this pace and this family can do for others. I have seen it my entire life. But it was not just them. It was you too, I mean they inspired and loved you but you changed your life around. You apprenticed with Scott, got your GED with honors and got accepted to vet school on a scholarship. You graduated early after fast tracking and have become one of the most innovative and respected veterinarians in Alberta and for that fact Canada. You are an amazing husband and father and have helped everyone that you touch. I mean look at Wyatt. He admires you and tries every day to emulate you just like a son does with a father." She took a breath, "And Ty, what you did for Amy after her mom died was amazing. You saved her and helped her realize that she was important." He smiled, "Is that it, I am kind of liking the commentary." She poked his ribs, "Whatever Borden, I just need you to understand that first it is not your fault that your old friend is the way he is. It is all on him. And second you are the most caring and thoughtful person I have ever met, well maybe after Dillon and everyone that is a part of your life knows that." She smiled, "Now don't you have work to do? I have a couple of people here that need to see me so time to go on the clock, family is free." They hugged and headed out. Ty felt much better and immediately headed toward Amy, who was with Lyndy in the round pen. She looked over and came out to meet him, kissing him passionately. They were interrupted when Soraya yelled over, "See Ty I was right." Amy smiled and looked with a question in her eyes. He laughed, ""I'll fill you in later."
The lunch/meeting had gone well as they talked about the Board Meeting coming up and some of the topics. They encouraged the younger group to being at least one idea that could be discussed. After they finished that Ellory went over the Documentary schedule. "In about a day or two this place will be pretty hectic. Amy, Ty and Lou did you see the scheduled time for your interviews? Also Lisa, I know Jack is not always excited for this stuff but they really want him to be interviewed too." Lisa smiled, "Don't worry, he will. Lou and I will make sure of it." They all laughed as she continued to cover the details. After the timeline was laid out, Lou set the tentative date for the Board Meeting so they could see the first unedited video and make sure it worked for them. "I know we have had things like this before but Lisa and I feel this may help us spread the concept of finding homes for unwanted horses with excited and loving owners. We don't know or for that matter care that they carry our brand, just that they have the same mission." The younger group smiled, realizing that this would be another piece of the family legacy that would be thiers to nurture and grow. The rest of the day and next week or so went well as the place was buzzing with crews setting up for the documentary which would start filming on Thursday and was set to finish on Sunday. The team promised to have a rough draft of the segment available to Lou and Lisa by the following week so they could set the time for the Board Meeting. Ty and Amy met with Soraya one more time together and it seems the he was Ok after the interaction with the person from his past. They both realized as always together they could conquer anything and this was no different. They also realized what a great friend and confidant Soraya was and were so happy she was a part of the company and their family. The Documentary producers decided that they wanted to interview Lou, Jack, Amy, Ty and later Ellory together in a panel format. Then Ellory would go over the process as they took the cameras into the facility. They even asked if a few clients could be interviewed and they had no trouble finding some. In addition several high ranking political officials along with the director of the Equine Association of Canada would be interviewed as well. Amy and Lou made sure that the horses and the process would get plenty of air time as they were the main reason the center was created. But for Jack, Lisa and Lou, the most important of the story was going to be about the two people the center was named after, Lyndy Bartlett and Thomas Payne. They decided that Jack could tell their story and then Amy would talk about their legacy as well as Marion Fleming place and how they continue to guide everyone that works at the Equine Center. Setup went well as Ellory's team, along with Haley and Rusty worked with the team at the Rehoming Center. Katie and Georgie walked the crew with remote cameras as they took film of the Equine Center, Day Care, the Miracle and Heartland Ranches and even the Llama herd. A reporter from the team went with them and for two days they took video as she asked questions. As they walked, the reporter asked, "I have to say that this entire operation is very impressive. And you say you have a Dude Ranch and a cottage for clients along with the Fairfield/Briar Ridge consolidated operation." She smiled and had Jenn and Ben walked them through how they had merged and what piece of the pie they were. When they finished she sat down with Katie and Georgie to wrap things up. She also asked them about the family and all of the accomplishments from Olympic accolades of both of them, horse healing and veterinary recognition. It was a good two days and the reporter was not just appreciative but amazed at what drove this company and this family to be so successful. The following morning the interview was set and they decided to have it at the Rehoming Center's main round pen encircled with horses and staff. It was going to be a great day.
Jack and Lisa woke up early and decided to go for a ride. It was a beautiful morning and after breakfast they had their horses tacked up and headed out. They told Lou they would meet them at the Rehoming Center for the 10:00am interview. Even though Jack had reached the 90 year mark he still loved to ride, especially when someone tacked and untacked his horse and used a step up to get on. They rode over a trail that he had ridden probably a million times. He seemed melancholy and Lisa stopped, grabbing his hand. "Ok Jackson Bartlett, what's up? Are you worried about the interview?" He smiled at his beautiful wife and spoke, "No not at all, you know I love the limelight. You know I have lived an amazing life. I have had two women that loved me and a family that is my pride and joy. But I realize that my time is soon to end. Now don't give me the look, not to soon I hope but Lisa, I am over 90. I feel good except for a few aches and pains, well maybe more than a few. But do you know what, I feel like a young man when I go fishing with JT or hold the babies on my lap. The family has grown more than I ever thought it would and when I see that I feel young. I am actually looking forward to the interview. Talking about our past justifies and clarifies our present and future. I remember the first time I met Thomas Payne. As you know I had his half frozen 18 year old daughter in my arms and he took her from me and smiled. I will never forget the look on his face as he spoke softly thanking me." She smiled remembering the story that he had told several times to the kids. She leaned in to kiss his cheek, "Jack Bartlett you have a lot to be happy about." They came into view of Heartland and she added, "See all of this is what you and your past family have created. Your family, especially the younger ones, idolize you. You are their rock and the foundation that this family is built on. This all because of you, Lyndy, her father and all of those before you." He smiled, understanding and appreciating her comment. The rode up to the place where the interview was happening as Amy and Ty came out to meet them. They helped them dismount and two of Ellory's team took the horses to untack and groom then. Later someone would take them back to Heartland. Amy took her grandpa's arm and smiled, "Ready to do your thing grandpa, I think the producers really like you." Lisa who was holding Ty's arm laughed, "He really is good with the ladies for sure." They walked up to the round pen and were amazed at the set up. There was a temporary wood floor set up with a row of small couches with tables and drinks on them. It was all facing the two chairs for the lead interviewer and her assistant. The area was covered with a tent and there were tons of lights and microphones. A sound panel area was set up as well where the director and techs were making final preparations. Lou joined them and they took their seats. Jack got a little uncomfortable when the makeup crew got them ready, ensuring them the intention was to keep the glare down. The buzz continued to rise as the start of the interview was close. The team went over what they would be asking again. All of them had been given a preliminary list of topics so they had an idea already. The director called 5 minutes and reminded the family that this was being taped so if there was any glitches it could be edited. They all took a quick drink and the reporter started with cameras rolling. After an opening comment and introductions of the interviewees she smiled and looked at Jack. "So Mr. Bartlett, I would like to start with you as you are the patriarch of everything we see around us. From what I have heard you are the foundation of the family and company. And those before you have help create this company and this Rehoming Center we are going to feature today. I have to say, it all is pretty overwhelming and to say it simply, amazing. So I have a question I would like to ask you." Jack smiled and raised his hand, "Well thank you for the kind words, but I am just a small part of all of this. The people next to me, the family, the staff and some of finest people I have ever met are what makes us tick. All of us have built this along with those before us." He smiled, "And you can call me Jack." The group all smiled as the host continued.
The interview was planned to go on for the entire afternoon and the director, producers, lead host and the entire crew was beyond impressed with the poise and commitment of the family group. From the onset, the family was articulate and thorough with their answers and input. Jack spent the first part talking about the family's history, focusing on Heartland and how it was the foundation of everything. He talked about Thomas Payne and his unique skills with horses and how he passed it on to his daughter, Lyndy. He laughed, "Up until she came into my life, the Bartletts were mainly cattle people but people like my sister June and others also had the ability to calm wild and unruly horses. So, Thomas was the first horse healer, but the Bartletts weren't too shabby at it as well." He talked about Lyndy and the skills that she passed on to Marion, their only child. He became sullen when he spoke about Lyndy and Marion's untimely deaths. He seemed a little overwhelmed so Amy and Lou took over talking about their mother and grandmother and what they meant to them and what they taught them. Amy smiled, "My grandma was quite the singer and song writer as well. She travelled with a band before she married grandpa and had my mom. We have all of her albums and you can hear her songs being sung by family all of the time." She knocked on her grandpa's arm, "And this guy can sing and play a guitar pretty good too." He smiled and added, "And Amy and her oldest daughter Lyndy, sing like angels." The room got quiet as ever the host and director were feeling a love that was amazing. Lou, Amy, Ty and Jack, spoke about the immediate family and what they all had accomplished as well as their current roles in the business and status in life. But then to the surprise of the documentary team, they also talked about the close friends who had become family and important parts of the company. The host dug into these relationships and when she finished she sighed, "Wow, you guys have an amazing famliy and friends. Can I join?" They all laughed as she continued, "But can I say to watch the joy in your eyes as you talk about your kids and close friends is heartwarming and even helps me realize the reason for your successes in life." They laughed again as the director suggested a small break and mentioned that when they came back, he would like to focus on the business and then more pointedly, the Rehoming Center. Lisa recommended that Ellory be asked to join and everyone agreed. As they took a break, Jack stood up with some help from Ty and Scott, who had been watching. Jack squawked but still took the help, "I can get up you two but thanks. Remember I did let you marry my granddaughters so I guess you aren't that bad." The group laughed as the family group went to stretch their legs and talk. Ty smiled, "Well that was better than I expected and Jack, you are my idol. For an old guy, you are pretty sharp." He put his head down slightly as Amy put her hand on his back, "Jack, we promise that those stories will never be forgotten and all of our kids, great grandkids and great-great grandkids will know them and pass them on. It is important to all of us." Everyone shook their heads in agreement. The crew watched the family interact and continued to be amazed at how close they were. The lead host smiled and whispered to the director, "Did you catch the comment to Scott and Ty about his granddaughters, we have to follow up on that." He smiled in agreement. After 15 minutes the director called everyone back. They settled and the director told them that they would spend the rest of the interview talking about the company and most importantly the Rehoming Center. They settled and the host spoke up, "But first Jack, I need to dig into your comment to Ty and Scott about your granddaughters, what's the story there." Everyone rolled their eyes as Scott spoke from behind the cameras, "It has something to do with a loft and Montana." The documentary team laughed as the host followed up, "Ok Jack Bartlett, spill it."
Back at school the kids were wondering how everything was going. They wanted to be there but everyone was busy with class and end of year stuff. Georgie and Katie kept the four Borden girls updated with text but being there would have been awesome. The college kids were hanging out between their late afternoon class and Annie laughed, "Can you imagine what GG is saying? I bet he has those folks on the edge of their seats." The three girls got quiet as Wyatt noticed and spoke up. "Your GG is the most impressive man I have ever known and you can bet he is killing it." Jeremy laughed, "Nobody tells a story like Jack." Desi who was joining them on video with his laptop added, "You know Addie, he told me once that he thought that we were made for each other and that he respected me for the way I treated you. He is a special man." Wyatt and Jeremy nodded in agreement and the girls hugged and teared up. Maddie was also enjoying the updates as well. She kept relaying the information to Ricky, Gwen and Sylvia and whoever else wanted to listen. The entire school knew about the documentary in fact the crew had done some preparatory filming there as well. Everyone was excited and although JT was not in the loop as much, he know that GG, Lisa, his parents and Lou would do a great job. He had not told them yet but he had talked to Marion, Lyndy and Lilly about it a few weeks ago and to his surprise, GG's sister June and Thomas Payne were the in the background as they listened. It seemed that the extent of his connection with them was not with conversations but he was happy to see them. Shawna leaned over to him and whispered softly. JT had been confiding in Shawna anytime he had a meeting, another sign of their growing bond. "Are you thinking about your visit the other night?" He smiled, "You caught me, I know the interview is going well and I can't wait to get home to see." He leaned into her as the teacher spoke up, Mr. Borden are you Ok?" He laughed and blushed a little, "I am perfect, thanks." Back at the interview Jack had just finished the granddaughter story and had everyone in stitches as the host clarified, "So these two were juvenile delinquents, your daughter Marion took them on as ranch hands, they both lived in the barn loft and eventually married Lou and Amy, with Lou taking a little time." Again everyone laughed as Lisa spoke up grabbing Jack's arm, "That's the gist of it, this guy is something, don't you think?" They settled as the interview turned to the company. "Lou and Lisa, how did all of these come together?" Lou looked at Lisa and she took the lead. "Well as each of the individual pieces were evolving we saw early on that we interacted more than we thought. Amy and Ty were building up the Equine Center which had always been their dream, into a huge operation. Our supply guy and longtime family friend Caleb O'Dell thought it would be good to start buying supplies in bulk for the Equine Center, Heartland and Fairfield, my family's operation. It worked and we saw a large amount of savings. The Dude Ranch was overwhelmed with clients and guest so we then decided to expand it and open up the empty Fairfield home for guest as well. Ben, my nephew and his wife Jenn lived in part of it so we ran it like a bed and breakfast. Again as we grew we built a home, right next to it for their family and now, Ben runs the Fairfield/Briar Ridge operation and Jenn oversees the lodging and catering piece. At Fairfield we have kind of an executive suite for higher end guest as well." She interrupted, "Is that where the PM and his family stay as I hear they are here often." Amy laughed, "Well originally yes but over the years we have become good friends with them and their kids. When they come now, they usually stay with us and the kids go wherever. Their oldest daughter Haley went to school in Calgary, met our Head Forman and they are married with one child and another on the way. Seems that happens a lot here and don't get me started on all the kids in that generation."
The interview continued as Lou and Lisa spoke about each part of the company and what they did, as well as how they interacted. The message was clear, their business model was not typical and the fact that any employee could become a part owner and receive incentives and bonuses was unprecedented. Lisa laughed, "Lou I spent a lot of our lives in the corporate world and to be honest none of them would adopt this type of approach, it is unique." The host smiled, "So why does it work?" Jack cleared his throat, "I got this. It works because we are all family and not just by blood. Our team interacts with love and understanding. Now from time to time there may be disagreements but know this. We have no egos here and everyone respects everyone else. That is why we are and will continue to be successful for generations." Lou added, "We recently made some changes to our Board of Directors and began including the younger generation, allowing them to be included and engaged in the operation. We have a meeting coming up and our first item on the agenda will be to preview this documentary. They are all eager to become a part of the decision making process and we are very content that the future is bright." Just on time Ellory approached the group, "Sorry if I am late, we just took in a half dozen horses from a kill buyer and were getting them settled. I hope you weren't waiting for me." The director smiled, "Not at all in fact you are right on time. We are near the end of the interviews and it is time to talk about this amazing facility." The lead host took over, "So tell us about yourself and how you got there. She smiled taking a seat next to Amy, "Well my family's link to these folks goes back many years. We are from the Cree Nation and like Amy's, we have a connection to horses as well. My father and many before him always had a way but he was an internationally known horse whisperer. His clinics were highly sought after and until he passed he was also a friend of many of these fine people here. In fact after Amy and Lou's dad was hurt, she came to him about his horse and they formed a special bond. Later Amy also came to him when she was having issues with her horse. I was young when Marion came but when Amy came, we kind of bonded as well and have stayed in touch." The host interrupted, "You seemed to inflect that the bond may have been more than professional and Amy is you father involved in the business as well." Amy put her hand on Ellory's leg and spoke, "Well we would rather not speak about personal family matters. And a while back our father's health began to deteriorate. His wife Casey still lives at their ranch, Big River, but we purchased it including the land and livestock. It is now a part of the Heartland cattle business." She put her head down as Lou continued, "Our father was a rodeo legend in Canada, a five time all-around champion. He was severely injured when I was 15 and Amy was 4 and was gone for a number of years. He is in a memory care facility and not aware of what is going on around him most of the time. We see him regularly and his wife Casey is always at family events." The room went silent as Amy leaned into Ty to gather herself. Ellory jumped in, "So I was visiting a few years back and Amy pitched me an idea that she wanted my help on. Her mother was well known for many things but the one that was the most important was when she took a damaged horse, fixed it and found a new owner. This continued be done after her passing and Amy wanted to make it bigger, to help more horses. The company decided to open a full time large Rehoming Center named after Jack's father in law and his first wife Lyndy and have it be a subsidiary of the Equine Center. I helped her set things up and staffed it with family volunteers and some full time folks. As you will see we have grown in size and scope and are considered a benchmark in the rehoming of discarded horses." The host followed up, "That is an amazing story, you mentioned that you were processing 6 horses that you just received. Can you describe the process?" Ellory smiled again, "Well there is no set process in getting horses, they just show up but sometimes we do get advanced warning. We have literally had horses left at the gate." Amy added, "We always have rehomed horses making sure we have the right owner, it was a passion of my mom's. Ellory and her team are amazing at helping to heal the horses and find the best owners. We have a large list of folks who want to own a horse. The team vets everyone and makes sure the right horse goes to the right family." The host giggled and looked at her seriously, "That is simply unbelievable, can I be put on the list, my daughter has wanted a horse for years." Ellory laughed, "Well we will have to vet you of course but I can guarantee you we will find the right horse for her."
The rest of the time was spent walking through the Rehoming Center to get a full understanding of the process from the moment the horse arrives to when they leave with a new owner. Ellory led the walkthrough discussion as the film crew followed her and today the bonus was the 6 horses that had just came in. As they went to them, Steven was looking them over and one of the techs was giving them inoculations needed. The entire documentary crew marveled at the efficiency and thorough approach they took. Then they saw how a kind of behavioral review was done as well by Ellory's team. Ellory commented, "These six look pretty manageable but if we have some that seem to be problematic, Amy and her team take over. We ship them to the Equine Center and when they are done they come back. Then we search out database for a match and prepare them for a meet and greet. If it all works out, they head home with their new family." The host asked, "How is this funded, it seems this takes a lot of work and money." Lou stepped up. "For those that can afford it we have a set voluntary fee that covers the basics. The center does generate income as we have several companies and organizations that provide financial and human support. Over half of our staff are volunteers who feed them, bathe them and take them on rides. That human interaction is important as we prepare the horse for a new home." Ty stepped in, "Since this is a subsidiary of the Equine Center, the vet cost is a part of the overall operating budget. We do charge for the horses that we take in at the Equine Center but the cost for these are absorbed in the budgeting we do each year." Lou added, "Each entity has a separate budget and operating report but we also can easily move funds around to where they are needed. For example maintaining our Llama heard is not a lot of cost but we do realize a lot of profit. That is an example of money that can be used to offset a high expense somewhere else. As we mentioned before, for us there are no egos and selfishness. We are all together and what is best for the whole is what is important." Lisa laughed, "The Equine Center, which include this and the Llama herd, is over 75% of our operating budget and our largest profit center. I will guarantee you that Amy and Ty don't gloat about that, it is just the way it is." They continued walking ad a beautiful Blue Roan caught the eye of the host, "My daughter would love a horse like this?" Amy smiled, "Well as you can see on the stall sign, she is not assigned yet so we will put her on hold and if you want, we will sit down with you and start your vetting process. If it all works out, you have a horse, it is that simple." She smiled happily as they headed back to the interview area. They team thanked them and packed up with a promise to be back in the morning to debrief and talk about the preview they would get. The Family sat for a bit to talk and decompress and finally Lisa said, "Well Amy and Ellory, I have a feeling you are going to get a lot of visitors when their gets released. I am confident that the Documentary Team was impressed for sure." It was before dinner so Ty and Amy dropped off Jack, Lisa and Lou. Ty smiled, "Let's go for a quick drive somewhere." Amy smiled as she knew where he was heading. They pulled up to the family cemetery and he whispered. "I think you need to tell your mom about today, she would be so happy." He helped her to the gravesite as her eyes became misty. She sat down and Ty kissed her forehead, "I'll be waiting by the truck." She looked up and smiled him and then glanced over her mom's gravestone. She whispered quietly, "Hey mom, how are you. You would be so happy because we had a really good day."