Odd Billy Todd

by N.C. Reed

He knew everyone in the small town. Had known them all his life. Now they were dead. He didn’t know them anymore. And they didn’t know him.

Billy went to sleep smiling. He had a dog.

A pet that loves you is what you need.

If you put things back where they belong, you won’t have to look for them next time you need them.

Truth. Watchwords of the "Organized".

Knowing what you have also let’s you know what you don’t have, his father had always said.

Count your blessings and make your plans.

You think you know what’s wrong, but until you check under the hood, you can’t be sure. Always check under the hood, son. Love, Dad

Look at all the angles.

once you gave up your independence, it was hard to get back.

Never give it up in the first place.

He had been taught silence and stillness since before he’d been out of diapers. It was habit for him.

Native American Quietness =cultural habit of studying the surroundings and reading persons.

but I pray all the time,” Billy shrugged. “When I can’t see a way to make somethin’ happen, when I can’t do no more ‘bout somethin’, then I tend to hand it to God, and pray for things to be like he wants.

Ultimate personal humility.

Billy has some learning issues, but his mind is sharper than most. Nothing gets by him, and I mean nothing.

Very much an Observer Person.

“I ain’t but one man. I ain’t a soldier, ain’t too smart, either. I know what my limits are. Been livin’ my whole life knowin’em. Ain’t no gettin’ round the facts. But this here is somethin’ I can do. If nothin’ else,

Let everyone contribute according to their ability.

He wanted to go. He wanted them not to. He wanted things to be normal. He wanted to keep bad things from happening. And he had never felt so powerless as he did right now.

Know your limitations.

want a man who holds me when I cry, even if he don’t know what to say, and just tries to sooth me ‘til I feel better.

Yes!!

a man who hunts and works and provides for me, and the kids, and protects us from whatever wolf is foolish enough to growl at our door.”

Strong protective partner.

“A man who keeps his promises, even

Trust is key.

“A man who loves me like there ain’t no tomorrow, and thinks he can’t rightly breathe no more without me. That’s what I want.”

Needs my love and support and strength.

I aim to be here with you when we’re old and gray,

REAL reason for marriage vows.