Page 40 of Broken Dream (Steel Legends #3)
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Angie
Aunt Melanie’s text comes a moment after I send mine.
Yes, I’ll have time to see you. I’m at the hospital in a meeting. Meet me on the sixth floor in an hour.
Good enough.
I head on over to wait.
Funny that I haven’t looked into Jason.
So I start a search.
I’ve seen his faculty profile, but I want to know more.
What was Ralph alluding to?
The first thing I find out is that Jason Lansing is a pretty common name.
I sigh, pushing my hair back from my face. Adjusting the search parameters, I include his profession and the city of our university.
And a link catches my eye—an obituary. My heart skips a beat as I see it’s for a woman named Lindsay Lansing. The similarity of the surname is enough to pique my interest. I click on it.
The date on the obituary is three years old. The cause of death isn’t mentioned.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lindsay Davis Lansing, a beloved wife, mother, and schoolteacher. Lindsay’s unwavering kindness, boundless love for her students, and devotion to her family left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Lindsay grew up with a passion for education and a deep desire to nurture young minds.
She earned her degree in education from the University of Boulder and spent her career inspiring children to learn and grow, believing every student deserved a champion.
Lindsay’s classroom was a haven of encouragement, creativity, and laughter, reflecting her own vibrant spirit.
Lindsay faced unimaginable heartbreak with the loss of her cherished daughter, Julia, at the tender age of three.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Jason Lansing…
My heart drops out from under me.
This woman was Jason’s wife.
And she had a daughter, who I assume she had with Jason.
This man who I’ve become entangled with has faced two tremendous losses. No wonder he’s been so hard to read.
It was only three years ago. He’s probably moved on a little bit, but he’s still grieving his wife. And I can’t even imagine what he feels about his child.
They must have died only a few months apart. I read the rest of Lindsay’s obit.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Jason Lansing, her sister, Marla (Christopher) Delgado, her brother, Logan (Cynthia) Davis, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Barry (Lisa) Davis.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Lindsay’s name to the Boulder Food Pantry to continue her legacy of compassion and support for children and families in need.
Lindsay will be remembered for her grace, her warmth, and the love she shared with the world. She now rests alongside her beloved Julia, leaving behind a legacy of strength and love that will forever be cherished.
Finding myself immersed in this personal tragedy makes me feel uncomfortable. But then again, Ralph brought this up. He started this game, and whether I like it or not, I’m immersed in it now.
No further mention of the daughter. Another quick search uncovers her obituary, and this one truly brings me to tears.
First a photo. A beautiful child with dark hair and green eyes like her father. Ruby-red cherub cheeks and a sweet smile.
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Julia Lindsay Lansing. Julia’s life, though far too short, was a bright and beautiful gift to all who knew her.
Julia brought boundless joy and love into the lives of her parents, family, and friends.
Her laughter was infectious, her curiosity endless, and her smile could light up even the darkest day.
She loved animals, drawing pictures with her favorite crayons, and cuddling with her cherished stuffed frog “Fwoggie.”
Julia’s days were filled with the simple wonders of childhood—playing in the park, singing songs with her parents, and exploring the world with wide-eyed innocence. Her sweet nature and radiant spirit touched everyone she met, leaving behind memories that will be treasured forever.
Julia is survived by her devoted parents, Dr. Jason and Lindsay Lansing, whose love for her was boundless and unwavering.
Her presence in their lives was a profound blessing, and her memory will remain forever in their hearts.
She is also survived by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Barry (Lisa) Davis, plus an aunt and uncle on her mother’s side.
In honor of Julia’s love for animals, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Boulder Animal Shelter.
Julia’s brief but beautiful life will always be remembered as a testament to the power of love, joy, and innocence. Though she is gone from this world, her light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved her.
I grab a tissue to wipe away the tears that have accumulated on my cheeks. Jason’s parents aren’t mentioned, nor are any aunts and uncles from his side. Are his parents dead?
My God…
Jason lost his daughter.
Then a few months later, his wife.
It doesn’t say the cause of Lindsay’s death, but I’m betting she took her own life.
Any couple would seek counseling of some sort after losing a child. They were probably seeing someone. But it clearly didn’t work for Lindsay.
Which explains why Jason is so skeptical of psychiatry.
I wipe the remaining tears from my eyes and blow my nose into the tissue.
Poor Jason.
Once a renowned surgeon and now a widower who lost a child and is relegated to teaching anatomy lab to first-year medical students.
Then it hits me.
The injury to his hand. Could it be related to his daughter’s death? A ski accident or something? We are in Colorado. It’s a pretty common occurrence.
I can’t help myself.
I keep digging.