Clustered in a small group under the shade of the cottonwood tree, everyone stood in silence as the deputy respectfully shoveled dirt into the grave. Wiping the sweat on his sleeve, the deputy leaned the shovel against the tree. Sheriff Dawson removed his hat, and the other men followed suit, except Roy. Tears streaked down Roy's dusty face, his lip quivering as he fought back his emotions.
"Thaddeus Folsom was one the finest men I have ever known," said Sheriff Dawson as he sniffed back his tears. "He was a good father too, raising you from a small child all alone. And look at you Roy; you've turned into a great man. Your pop was very proud of you Roy and bragged to anyone who'd listen."
The group nodded in agreement. Suddenly, Roy turned and dashed back into the log house, slamming the door as he entered. Everyone looked at each other, perplexed as to their next action. Mrs. Riddle produced a weak smile. She gently patted Stanley's neck, and then she went to check on Roy.
In his years of growing up, Roy had never experienced such overwhelming sadness as he did the day of his father's burial. Unprepared, Roy was forced to live alone and fend for himself. Any semblance of the young boy inside of Roy disappeared, and he emerged as an adult from that day forward. The death of Thaddeus was at the core of Roy's ability to suppress inner feelings, denying anything was wrong, and his determination to ignore personal emotions.
Others in town took on the responsibility of befriending Roy as best they could. Sheriff Dawson made time to visit Roy at least once a month and the Riddle's ensured Roy enjoyed a family meal once or twice a week. Slowly, Roy's life developed into a controlled routine with season after season slipping by like sand through fingers. When reflecting on his life's experience, Roy would often comment to folks, that he didn't choose the events that shaped his life. Roy felt that how he dealt with the challenges was more important than the struggles themselves. Despite these circumstances, Sheriff Dawson was fascinated by Roy's ability to maintain an optimistic viewpoint.