What It Takes

Chapter 12- Family And Flowers

Chapter 12

“Mommy!” Talan yelled, “There’s a playground. Can we go play?”

Today was the grand opening of our memory garden and the 5K run. The run was currently in progress so Jace, Talan, and I were wandering around the mulched paths of the garden. Other people were also milling around enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the garden I was so thankful Talan was able to leave the hospital and spend the day with us. Under certain circumstances though, he had to stay in a wheelchair which made it hard to push him on the loose mulch.

“Of course we can baby.” I said while kissing his head.

As we approached the playground Jace lifted Talans small body from the chair and carried him to the nearest swing. Talan sat perched upon Jaces lap as they slowly swang. I smiled because Jace looked extremely uncomfortable on the small swing especially with a 6 year old on his lap.

“Higher!” Talan yelled. Jace simply smiled and swung at the same rate. “Jace!” Talan yelled again, “Higher please.” He begged.

“Sorry buddy if we swing any higher i’ll get scared.” Jace told him.

“Why?”

“Because i’m really scared of hights.” Jace admitted while smiling at me.

Talan simply laughed at the thought, and so did I.

After playing around for a while we continued down the path. My breath caught in my throat as I saw what was ahead. LIlac bushes were surrounding a circular clearing, and in the middle of the clearing was a huge willow tree.

“The tree was here when we started construction.” Jace whispered in my ear, “It’s estimated to be at least 100 years old. I just couldn’t cut it down.” He admitted.

I’m glad he didn’t cut it down, the tree was beautiful. Long branches reached down toward the earth, reminding me of mother willow from pocahontas.

Talan began to become restless, I could tell how badly he wanted to get up from the chair. So we moved on down the path, small trees were planted along the path. I couldn't wait for a few years when all the trees would be bigger and the plants fully grown. Right now it was beautiful but the flowers and all the plants were small, in a few years the garden would be perfect. In the end I loved that Jace put all this effort into one project. The lilacs and other flowers represented his mother, while the playground represented Talan. Their names were carved in bricks at the entrance of the park, as well as other people with cancer. It was a place to remember the battle cancer puts on a person as well as a family. Trees were planted with small signs in front of them for people to add loved ones names. Over all 20,000 dollars was made, due to donations. I was overcome with love and gratitude. Talan was now able to get a stem cell transplant. All was good, Talan returned home and his procedure was scheduled for after his birthday. Ashton was going to be over looking the procedure, while Jace and I wait patiently. But until then I was focusing my attention on throwing Talan the best party ever. I invited my parents all the way from Wisconsin, I haven't seen them since I left. My sister was coming as well as her family. Thankfully Jace insisted we have the party at his beach house and my whole family was staying with us. It was going to be perfect.

As the day crept closer and closer everything was coming together. Talan begged for a blow up castle to play in, but I was reluctant to agree because he wouldn't be able to play on it. He was just too weak. Jace instead hired a local petting zoo to bring some animals so Talan could interact with them. My parents arrived first two days before the party, equipped with presents. I think its safe to say Talan was happier than ever.

My sister Courtney arrived later on with her two kids, Seth, and Chloe, and her husband, Andy.

“I missed you so much!” Courtney sobbed into my shoulder as we hugged.

“I missed you too.” I responded.

As we separated she spotted Jace lingering behind us holding Talan. “Who is that?” She questioned.

Turning around I smiled at the sight of my boys now talking to Andy. “Thats Jace.” I said now smiling even bigger.

“You had sex with him!” Courtney exclaimed.  

I could feel my face heating up, “Shhh! Not so loud.” I whispered.

She simply laughed and stared at Jace again. “He’s really attractive. Like it a mysterious way.”  

I nodded agreeing with her, “He’s perfect. I wish I could tell you what a difference he made it our lives but that would take years. He literally opened my eyes to how blessed I truly am.” I told her as we travel to the back yard to walk on the beach. Her kids were running around collecting shells with my parents, as Jace, Talan, and Andy sat on the back porch.

“I’m happy for you Isa.” I smiled at the memory of my childhood nickname, Courtney always said Isa was more elegant and rare than plain old Isabell.

“Well i’m happy you’re here.”

We continued talking and walking until Jace called everyone in for dinner. He made burger and hot dogs on the grill.

We all sat and enjoyed eachothers company that night, just sitting outside watching the stars. I love my family, they were what I live for.