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Clustered in a sroup 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 ed to anyone who'd listen"

The group nodded in agree house, sla the door as he entered Everyone looked at each other, perplexed as to their next action Mrs Riddle produced a weak sently patted Stanley's neck, and then she went to check on Roy

In his years of growing up, Roy had never experienced such overwhel sadness as he did the day of his father's burial Unprepared, Roy was forced to live alone and fend for hi boy inside of Roy disappeared, and he eed 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 rong, and his deternore 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 les themselves Despite these circumstances, Sheriff Daas fascinated by Roy's ability to maintain an optimistic viewpoint