A Million Wishes (35 page)

Lilah nodded her head and looked at Dakota. “I was mad at you for that, for leaving us. I know it was best for you, and you deserved to go to college and start living your life, but it felt like you deserted us. I know you didn’t really, but at the time it felt like it.”

“
I’m sorry baby girl. I wanted to get my education so I could get a good job to provide for you two. To help you with college so you wouldn’t have to struggle. I never meant to make you feel like I was ditching you.”

“
I know you did. Just like you both know that just because I was excited to have Noah and Miki as our foster parents, our adoptive parents, it doesn’t mean I stopped loving and missing our parents. I felt guilty about that at first too, but I talked to Miki about it after we were there a few days. If you talk about things instead of hold them inside, you can work it out.”

After that session things ran smoother. The kids seemed more at ease with Miki and Noah, and with each other. The boys started asking if they could go with them when they went to volunteer at shelters or food banks a few times a week. Not only that, but Dominic proved to be a whiz kid with a computer and built them a website where anyone could submit a wish that was in a hard financial situation. Miki and Lilah filtered through the emails they received, and soon realized they needed more help as the wish bank was filling up quick with inquiries. Chelsea offered to help since she had already been spending the summer volunteering with them and proved to be a big help. She was a natural like Delilah was. It was no wonder the girls were best friends, they were two peas in a pod, so spending the summer filtering through requests to have wishes granted was perfect for the girls. It was Lilah that came up with the name for the foundation, “A Million Wishes.” Some of them were small, easily accomplished wishes, and then there were those that broke your heart knowing there was no way they could help. They could help financially but they couldn’t make miracles happen, at least not in the way of healing someone’s illness.

Noah, Dom and Dakota spent the remainder of the summer putting the finishing touches on the training course with their Uncles, then finishing up the gym. Noah hadn’t been joking when he said it would be state of the art. It even had therapy pool installed now, like the one Noah had used after he’d been injured. It had made a world of difference in his rehab, so he’d made it a point to have one installed in the new gym. Dakota had been a great help already and was as enthused as Noah was to make it a place that anyone, not just soldiers, would be able to have all the tools needed to get as mobile as they possibly could. They had even talked about the shortages of health clinics for poor people with stellar medical care and equipment that worked. The nearest one to Sugar Creek was a good twenty miles away, and it was not in the best of shape. From what Noah had been told the medical care there was sadly lacking, not only in the lack of caring from the people that worked there, but that the equipment was in disrepair and there wasn’t much they could actually do there.

Since finding that out, Noah and Miki were making it a priority to develop a clinic there in their hometown of Sugar Creek. They had ideas for a free clinic that could offer various medical care, from the smallest of colds and allergies, to minor emergency care seven days a week. It was then that Dom started really taking an interest in things. In his young life he hadn’t realized just how many people were sick and couldn’t afford a doctor’s care. At the homeless shelters there were such destitute people it broke his heart.

Nearing the end of summer they were all at the dinner table when he asked a question that shocked them all. “Hey Dad, can I be a medic in the Navy? You know, go to college to get a medical degree, but still be a SEAL?”

“
How about you tell me exactly what kind of medical career you want, and then I can give you some of your options son.”

He shrugged and stirred his fork in his food. “I don’t know for sure, I’ve just been thinking about things.”

“
Like what? Give me an example of what you want to do.”

“
It’s just…just that lately when we volunteer somewhere, there are always sick people. Poor sick people. You guys have been talking about building a free clinic, but to have one of those you need doctors willing to work for less pay or donate their time right?”

“
That’s right sugar. Usually at a free or reduced fee clinic, it will have a few doctors that will donate a certain amount of hours each week for free care. If you’re lucky though, you find a good physician that will work at a less than average salary, so you have consistent care in the clinic.” Miki was smiling. Her heart was bursting with pride that Dom had not only noticed the needs of the people they had served, but that it was in his heart and mind to help somehow.

“
Well son, would you rather skip going into the military and instead, go to school for a MD?”

Dom shrugged, obviously torn between the two. “Maybe, I’d kind of like to do both, but it would take me longer if I went in the military first. I don’t think I want just the military to be my lifetime career. When I end up having a family of my own I don’t want to be gone all the time. I kind of feel bad saying that, but I’m not meaning to sound selfish. It’s just that…when I have a wife and kids I want to be there. Be a Dad they can depend on to be there at games and stuff or just to help with homework at night. But I want a career to be proud of that will be helpful to people in need.”

Noah smiled at him. “That’s not selfish at all. It’s you being honest about what you want in life. Military life isn’t for everyone. It’s certainly not easy on relationships, but it can be done. Like you said though, if you want to be present for events with kids while they’re growing up, then a military career isn’t the prime choice. If you want to go in for a few years for the experience and just to see if you like it then you can do that too. Just because you join doesn’t mean you have to stay enlisted for 20 years like my Dad did.”

“
You have some options when it comes to being a medic in the military. Keep in mind though if you’re a SEAL, you’re a SEAL first, medic second. Actually with any branch of the military you are a soldier first. It’s combat medicine, not a private practice. If you become a PJ…a Pararescue Jumper for the Air Force Special Ops Command (AFSOC ) you really have to know your stuff when it comes to trauma injuries. It’s like a Paramedic with the added stress of not only stabilizing the patient but getting them out of harm’s way as well. PJ’s are first and foremost, personnel recovery specialists, they just have extensive combat trauma training because when they are called in, it’s because the shit hit the fan. You gotta get in and out…quick.”

“
When it comes to being a SEAL, you have 18 months just to get to the point of being a SEAL. If you get that far, then it’s another six months for 18 Delta Special Forces Medical Sergeant training. Depending on where you’re at, you could be diagnosing something as minor as a cold to taking care of trauma victims. Again though, the point of being a SEAL isn’t really being a Medic first, it’s being a SEAL, with the added talent of specialized training in that field. Being a SEAL is about the mission.”

“
I need to make up my mind what I really want. I’ve thought about being in the military for a long time. I think it would be exciting to travel and protect my country at the same time. SEALs are elite. I want that title. It’s just that after seeing just how many sick, poor people there are, it makes me rethink ya know?” She couldn’t have been more proud of Dom when he said that. For being nearly 16 he had his head on straight, and like his older brother, he was pretty focused on his future.

“
Well maybe you should take him to talk to a recruitment officer. Just kind of let him get a feel for it after he hears what they have to say.”

Noah smiled at his wife, nodding in agreement and turned to Dom. “You know, you talked before about wanting to fly too. If you’re serious about that, another option is joining the NROTC. You sign up the second semester of your junior year, and then apply to colleges that carry the program. You get your education paid for, do some service time during the summer, and get trained to be a Naval Officer and choose the field you want. You could go with an Officer position in aviation, special warfare, nurse corps, submarines, explosives, or special warfare. The sky is the limit Dom. You just have to decide which route you want to go. I know you want the all the glory that goes with having the SEAL title, but it’s treacherous, and you’ll have to bust your ass to even get through. Not many have the heart and stamina to make it.”

“
You think I can do it Dad?”

Noah didn’t even hesitate. “I do.”

“
I think I can too, if you train me.” Dom’s face was serious, intent. Not even 16 years old, and wanting to start training. Noah was about to burst with pride when he looked at his son, nodding his head. “Hooyah.”

Chapter 29

Thursday morning, November 16, 2006 - County Courthouse

It was unreal to her that today was the day. They were all sitting in the courtroom at the table with their lawyer and their caseworker Meghan. Noah’s parents were there along with Noah and Miki’s siblings. She had taken great pains with her appearance that morning getting ready, but also helping Lilah with her hair and a light dusting of blusher and eye makeup. They had gone shopping a week ago, and all of them got something new and dressy to wear to the ceremony. Lilah had begged Noah to wear his Navy blues, and when she batted her eyelashes at him and said “Please Daddy….” his heart melted. Like he could ever say no to that!

Miki and Lilah had similar dresses. Both opting for sweater dresses and knee high boots since it was cold out. Miki’s was a dark green that matched her eyes while Lilah’s was a caramel color that made her milk chocolate skin look more like a spun dark caramel. They both left their hair down, Miki’s in rich waves of fiery curls and Lilah’s in chestnut spiral curls that rested just past her shoulders. The boys chose black slacks and dress shoes. Dakota had a red dress shirt and black tie, while Dominic had a blue dress shirt on and a black tie.

They were all going out to eat at the diner after court. Then they were going home and having a get together for cake and ice cream and playing games afterward.

Once the judge came in the room everyone quieted.

“
Hello everyone. Today is a very special day. This is a matter of the three children’s adoption by Lieutenant Noah Lee Cane and Mikayla Ann Cane. Docket number 11231957HS.”

Their lawyer stood and nodded to the judge. “Good morning Your Honor, Cliff Rogan representing the petitioners.”

“
Good morning. I’m going to ask the petitioners to stand, raise your right hands and be sworn in.”

The sound of the chairs scooting back on the floor as they stood echoed in the room.

“
Do you swear to tell the truth in this matter before the courts?”

In unison they answered “Yes.”

“
Ma’am, state your name for the record.”

“
Mikayla Ann Cane.”

“
And you Sir.”

“
Lieutenant Noah Lee Cane.”

“
Alright then, please be seated. Mr. Rogan you can proceed now.”

“
Thank you Your Honor. Mrs. Cane on the petition there are two signatures, is one of them yours?”

“
Yes.”

“
Thank you. When you signed this petition were the facts in it all true to the best of your knowledge?”

“
Yes.”

“
Are the children you are adopting today currently named Dakota Owen Taylor, Dominic Elijah Taylor and Delilah Rose Taylor?”

“
Yes.”

“
Would you like their names to be changed in the adoption proceedings today?”

“
Yes.”

“
Please tell the court what you want their names to be.”

“
Dakota Owen Cane, Dominic Elijah Cane and Delilah Rose Cane.”

“
Are you employed and able to support them?”

“
Yes.”

“
Do you realize that when this adoption is granted you will have the same rights and responsibilities to these children as if they were born unto you?”

“
Yes.”

Mr. Rogan smiled at her. “Thank you Mrs. Cane.”

“
Sir, please state your name for the record.”

“
Lieutenant Noah Lee Cane.”

“
Lieutenant Cane, did you hear all the questions I posed to Mrs. Cane?”