Teddy hung the banner across the back porch with the words "congratulations graduates". Today they were having the extended family and some family friends to celebrate three graduations.
"Mama, where do you want these signs," Annie asked.
"One table for each," Teddy directed.
"They did it," Annie beamed.
"They did," Teddy smiled, "all three of mine are college graduates. We had one for you."
"At the cottage with the hospital family," Annie remembered, "and nana. We still had Henry, Derek, Mark, Webber and Lexie."
"We did," Teddy smiled, "they were so proud of you all of them."
"I got my first stethoscope then," Annie remembered, "it was your grad gift."
"You still have it," Teddy said.
"It's still in rotation," Annie replied, "on older kids. I like the smaller ones for most of my patients it's clearer sounds for me."
"I got them each one," Teddy said, "then Leo has a few things he needs for the move and Allison and Asher are getting some camping gear they need."
"So they stop borrowing our tent," Annie laughed.
"No giving under age kids alcohol," Teddy teased.
"I was 20 and that was Christina and Meredith," Annie laughed, "April tried to stop them but they just brushed her off with if she's ready for med school she can drink."
"I wasn't upset," Teddy said, "that was them celebrating with you. Your mom wasn't impressed but I reminded her you were 20 and had been legally drinking in Canada for 18 months. You and I had been to pubs and restaurants and you'd had a drink at UBC."
"I'm wondering if we did okay with graduation presents," Annie said, "each has something very different but the same dollar value."
"Ours is like that too," Teddy replied, "I'm pretty sure I got Josh something when you graduated."
"I think some sort of alcohol because I remember when we both finished residency we opened it," Annie said, "I know Nathan got me wine."
"You two were cute," Teddy smiled.
"Med school grad next," Annie said, "two the same year."
"I know," Teddy replied.
"And Ash finished his apprenticeship," Annie said.
"They don't need me," Teddy sighed, "I'm not mom or mama the same way."
"You know this part though," Annie said, 'you've been through med school with me."
"22 years ago," Teddy said.
"Think how much better you know them," Annie said, "Mama they'll be okay they're ready."
"I know," Teddy said, "it's just letting go. It's my age. I feel old. My kids don't need me as much. This makes me feel really old."
"You're only 68," Annie said.
"69 this summer," Teddy said, "five grandkids, three kids through college. Annie I feel old."
"And you're mostly retired," Annie replied, "you mentor cardio research and coach when we get stuck. You're only working 2 days a week and only in the OR once every couple."
"I'm ready," Teddy replied.
"Then what's stopping you," Annie asked.
"I've never not worked," Teddy replied, "I don't know how."
"How long is this sustainable," Annie asked, "mama I don't want you to be Webber."
"I'd like to see Leo and Allie through med school," Teddy replied, "if we're helping them financially I should."
"If you didn't," Annie asked.
"We'd be fine,' Teddy replied, "but they'll need help. You did."
"I did," Annie agreed.
"I'm happy to just consult with other surgeons and do the odd pacemaker, stent or bypass now," Teddy replied, "I just do enough to keep my hand in the game. I might do one full day in the OR in a month and that's fine. I can do it and will do it when needed to cover cardio but I only do big things now when you need hands and ask me."
"I like when we operate together," Annie said, "I'm trying to find more reliable residents and fellows but theres something about doing it together."
"I know sweetheart," Teddy said, "why I agree to it."
"You and Uncle Owen have three months booked off in the fall to travel," Annie said, "three months exploring Europe."
"I'm excited," Teddy replied, "not all of it is pleasure. We have two weeks in Ukraine helping refugees."
"But that makes you happy," Annie said, "you've always liked humanitarian work. Are you training people?"
"We are," Teddy said, "they've had 14 years of conflict and need a lot of help."
"Tonight who's coming," Annie asked.
"Meg and Nathan are working it out so he's coming," Teddy said, "Asher's parents, his oldest brother might come but it depended on how his wife was feeling, she's due any day now."
"Ellie talks to Sienna," Annie said, "she's not due until mid June."
Everly appeared on the back deck, "auntie Nee!"
"Hi Ev," Annie beamed, "what are you doing missy?"
"Helping," Everly said.
"Do you want to help me," Annie asked.
"What doing," Everly asked.
"I'm putting signs on the tables," Annie said, 'then the tablecloths on the ones for the food."
"Theres stairs," Everly pointed.
"I can hold your hand, you can use the railing or I can carry you," Annie offered the choices they knew Allison was giving Everly.
"Hand please," Everly said.
"Which side," Annie asked.
"Here," Everly waived her left crutch in the air.
"Okay I'm going to take the crutch and you give me your hand," Annie directed.
Annie helped Everly down the porch stairs to to patio.
"Play house," Everly asked.
'You can go play,' Annie agreed, 'I'm here."
"Play with me please," Everly asked.
"I can," Annie smiled, "where did Heather go?"
"I no no," Everly replied, "up maybe?"
"Heather," Annie called.
"In the tree house," Heather said, appearing in the window.
"Come down," Annie directed.
"No," Heather said, "I'm drawing."
"Everly and I are going to draw in the play house, come join us," Annie said.
"No," Heather said.
"I wanna play," Everly whined.
"Everly can't go up there safely," Annie said, "Heather you can come down safely."
"No," Heather snapped, "it's ALWAYS about Everly and what she can't do."
"You choice is to come be kind to your cousin or sit on the porch steps," Annie commanded.
"Ellie coming ," Everly asked.
"She's at work she'll be here soon," Annie promised.
"Annie remind her to use sentences please," Teddy said, "Allison is really trying to get her to use proper sentences we can't give in to Everly not using them."
"What did you do today Everly," Annie asked.
"We go swimming at the pool and to the park," Everly said.
"Who did you go with," Annie asked.
"Daddy," Everly said, "mommy has to work."
"I know she works a lot right now," Annie said, "she's working with Ellie today."
"I don't like when mommy works," Everly said.
"Why not," Annie asked.
"She's not home," Everly said.
"She's going to be really busy with school next year," Annie said.
"Mommy likes school," Everly said.
"She does," Annie agreed, "school is fun. You have two weeks left before summer break."
"We're trying to get Allie not to work next year," Teddy said, "so is Asher."
"I wouldn't if I was her," Annie replied, "as much as she wants to and feels like she should, it's too much."
"But she's Owen's daughter," Teddy said, "she has to do things her way then learn from the mistake."
"You didn't want me working either," Annie said.
"And you hardly did," Teddy said, "you tutored or made coffee."
"Don't remind me of my barista days," Annie groaned.
"Can we have chalk," Everly asked.
"We can," Annie agreed, grabbing it from the ledge of the play house, "what should we draw?"
"Stars and planets," Everly said.
"I'll try," Annie agreed.
"Earth please," Everly said.
"I can draw earth if you colour it," Annie tried.
"Okay," Everly agreed.
Allison walked in to the back yard after work still in her uniform.
Allison joined them, "what are we doing?"
"Auntie Nee is drawing me planets," Everly said.
"Is she," Allison asked, "can I draw two?"
"Stars please," Everly asked.
"Mommy can you draw stars please," Allison prompted.
"Mommy draw stars please," Everly tried.
"Can I have some chalk," Allison asked.
Everly passed Allison the chalk bucket and together they drew stars on the concrete.
"I'm going to go change," Allison said, "Ev we need to get you cleaned up two. There's chalk all over your leggings. Come on, let's get cleaned up and do your physio."
Allison helped Everly walk down the stairs to the basement suite and the two of them got cleaned up.
"I don't want to do physio," Everly complained.
"It's not a choice," Allison said, "do you want me to do it with you or to watch?"
"With me please," Everly pouted.
"What happens if we do it every day for two weeks," Allison asked.
"New outfit for Kiki," Everly said.
"So let's do it and we can put a sticker on your chart," Allison said, "you only need 4 more stickers."
"Kiki wants a bathing suit," Everly said, "then she can come swimming."
"She can sit by the pool in her bathing suit but she can't get wet," Allison said, "it's like when bunny gets wet."
"Wet bunny smells bad," Everly pouted.
"It does," Allison agreed, "let's get this done. Crutches down."
They worked through the exercises together and Allison gave Everly the sticker to put on her chart.
"Mommy can you read to me," Everly asked.
"I can," Allison said, "in English or en Francais?"
"En francais," Everly said.
"Le chat dans la chapeau," Allison said, grabbing the French copy of the cat in the hat from the library book basket.
"Snuggles please," Everly asked.
"Always," Allison said, lifting her daughter into her lap and kissing the top of her head, "I love you princess."
"Love you too mommy," Everly smiled up at her mom.
That evening they gathered with friends and family in the backyard. Seeing Asher's parents Everly got shy and stuck close to Allison.
"Hi Ev," Ava smiled, crouching down at the little girl's level.
"Auntie Ava," Everly smiled at her mom's best friend, "can you push me on the swings?"
"I can," Ava agreed, "should we go?"
"Okay," Everly agreed and started making her way to the swings.
When she got there she looked at Ava, "help up please."
"Ready," Ava asked, reaching towards Everly, "I'm going to put my hands under your arms to lift you up."
"Yep," Everly replied.
"Okay," Ava grinned, "three, two, one, blast off!"
Ava lifted Everly onto the swing then put her crutches to the side.
"Are you having fun," Allison smiled, joining them by the swing set.
"Yes," Everly laughed, "higher!"
"You okay," Ava whispered.
"Help keep her away from the Blouins," Allison muttered.
"I've got her," Ava said, "she's good with me."
"I know she is," Allison smiled, "you've always been great with her."
"Mommy swing with me please," Everly asked.
"Not right now princess. I'm wearing a dress and we have guests," Allison said.
Asher wandered over to Mitch and Sierra.
"Hey," Mitch greeted, "you did it man."
"We did," Asher agreed, "you two are almost ready?"
"Three more weeks," Sierra said rubbing her bump.
"Getting close," Asher agreed, "you're doing okay?"
"I guess," Mitch replied.
"Allie found the last few weeks tough," Asher remembered, "I don't think we slept. If she was awake and uncomfortable I sat with her. "
"Sleep isn't too great," Mitch admitted, "I'm worried about actually taking care of them."
"You'll be fine," Asher assured, "ask for help. We had to accept help and I don't think we could have done it without the help. Teddy and Owen really guided us the first few weeks. Ask Sierras parents."
"Still avoiding dad and mom," Mitch asked.
"Arms length," Asher said, "to protect my daughter. I would do the same."
"Renee will never be alone with them," Sierra agreed, "did Allie ever wonder if she missed out?"
"Yes," Asher said, "you were talking to Ellie earlier."
"She sounds like she's had a great year at UBC," Mitch replied.
"She has," Asher agreed, "I was always going to stay in Seattle but Allie considered going away to school. I would have followed. "
"Now she's going to medical school," Sierra said in awe.
"I'm proud of her," Asher replied, "it'll be hard but she can do it. We'll do it as a family."
"More kids," Mitch asked, "the whole big family thing."
"After she finishes medical school and starts her residency we'll talk about it," Asher replied, "her and her sister are 25 years apart. Annie has 10 between Ellie and Heather. We want to be there for and to know our kids. To give them the things mom and dad couldn't give us. And that means we're both working and not having 6 kids."
"We might," Siera said.
"No," Asher argued, "think of the life you want them to have. Everly goes to preschool and swimming lessons and a kinder music class Allison takes her to a French playgroup Sunday afternoons. We couldn't do that with more than two. I don't know how Annie manages four."
"A lot of help," Annie admitted walking past, "and my boys are on the same sports teams and in the same scout group. My dad helped drive a lot we arranged carpools where we could. Sierra when are you due?"
"Three weeks," Sierra said.
"So the waiting game," Annie smiled at the younger woman, "all ready?"
"We just need the baby," Sierra said.
"When they're ready," Annie assured.
"Mom," Heather called.
"Yes monkey," Annie asked.
"I'm not a monkey," Heather giggled.
"You look like one hanging there," Annie laughed.
"I need help down," Heather said from the tree.
"Nope you got up there you get down," Annie said.
"How," Heather asked.
"The way you got up," Annie said.
After dinner Teddy got everyone's attention.
"So we have three graduates today," Teddy beamed, "we'll go from oldest to youngest to keep it fair. Mr Leo, you were our biggest surprise when you came into the hospital as a patient and left as our son, it was meant to be. We are so proud of you and everything you have done and learned. Leo you are a driven, passionate and accomplished young man with many talents. This next step is big heading off to medical school. I'm proud of the determination you've shown. Our little boy that struggled learning to read and do math to a brilliant young man. Dad and I are so proud of you."
"Leo," Owen smiled, "mom tried to steal all the thunder again. I am so proud of you we both are. Your determination to help others and make the world better. We know your going to do it and do amazing things. We see your compassion and empathy with your nieces and nephews and the kids on the peds floor. You've worked hard and learned not to let your emotions control you instead channeling them into doing something positive. You are the man I always hoped you would be. Congratulations son."
"Okay baby brother," Annie smiled, "you don't get out of not hearing from me. I'm proud of you. It's hard to believe you're the same little boy Alex Karev told me was my sole job until we found your family. I didn't expect it that first night sitting with you in the hospital that we would be here today. I'm so proud of you Lion Man my baby brother I'm glad we found eachother. I do have a story book for you because you know I suck at this. Lion I'm proud of you and the man you're becoming, brave, dedicated and kind the important things. And miss Bean, another amazing surprise. I'm so happy to have you as my baby sister. To watch you become a brilliant young woman filled with determination and empathy. Allison and Leo I am so proud of both of you. I know you're off to med school but don't forget your big sister. I always want to hear about all your adventures. I love you."
"Miss. Allison our little munchkin," Owen smiled, "you amaze us every day with your strength, determination and wisdom. Well done. You completed a very tough college program in four years, while being a great mother and partner. Allison your resilience and flexibility are your biggest strengths. Mom and I are so proud of you."
"Okay baby girl how did we get here," Teddy asked, "you're graduating college. We are so proud of you. You're smart, kind and so full of love for everyone around you. You love so fully and so deeply and that is a huge strength and gift. You've taken situations that would have crushed others and turned them into chances to get stronger, to learn and to help. When I found out I was pregnant with you I was surprised but elated. You continue to both surprise me and show me how important it is to find the joy in the little things. I love you and am so proud of you."
"We're not leaving you out Asher," Owen chuckled, "three graduates today. Asher your red seal is an accomplishment. While your learning has taken place mainly on the job you have learned and mastered and challenging skill. When you moved in here you were a pimply kid and I was sceptical but time after time you have proven that you are a good man. You stand with your family every day and have become a team of three. We are proud of the man we've seen you grow into. A man with integrity who takes responsibility for his actions, someone who is considerate of those around him and who goes out of his way to help others. A man that we are proud to have as part of our family."
"Asher we're proud of you," Teddy agreed, "we see the sacrifices working out of town for weeks or months to help your family. Asher you have become a good man in the years we've known you. You've worked hard and mastered an important skill. We're proud of you and everything you've accomplished. We told you five years ago that you needed to develop a skill to support yourself and get the piece of paper to back yourself up. You've done that and we're proud of you. Asher you show great character, you're reliable, focused, kind and empathetic. We're so proud of you and what you've accomplished."
"So," Jackson said, "I get to steal the spotlight from the proud parents for a moment. For those of you that I don't know I'm Dr Jackson Avery president of the Catherine Fox Foundation and the board at Grey Sloan Memorial. Our hospital presents a scholarship most years for children of the surgical staff who are pursuing medical education. Today we are presenting two awards as well as publicly announcing this year's recipient of the Richard Webber Memorial Scholarship. The Richard Webber award was set up upon his death by my mother to honour his memory and what he believed in. Richard believed in education and that medical education should be accessible to anyone. Typically this award is given to someone from a marginalised group, people of colour members of the LGBTQ community and young mothers. This year's Richard Webber award is being presented to Allison Altman-Hunt. Then the GSM surgical staff award is being shared between Leo Altman-Hunt and Allison Altman-Hunt. Typically this award is shared 50/50 when there are two recipients how ever in light of Allison receiving the Webber award the committee elected to share it 75/25, Leo we are pleased to be able to fund your first three years of medical school and part of your final year, Allison we will be able to provide you with a small stipend to cover your textbooks and class materials. Congratulations to both of you."
They spent the rest of the evening hanging out in the back yard celebrating with their family and friends.