A Montana Grizzly

By Pat Dodd

Mathew Fleming an eleven year old boy aspiring to become a player for the U.S. Olympic Soccer Team.
Due to problems in his family he was sent to stay with relatives Living on a ranch in Montana.
Who would have thought that a huge State like Montana, a beautiful Native American Veterinarian and a very angry Grizzly Bear would forever change his dreams.
Matt learned there are other things to be made out of 'lemons' besides Lemon Aid.
When life turns out, not to be, what you hoped---You can make it happen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456765385

Pat Dodd

After two years in college, I became a house parent in a boys’ orphanage. Witnessing young men facing challenges without the love and compassion of a parent inspired my first book. I began studying over the Internet. My second story, A Montana Grizzly, is an improvement. You are now holding my third book. I hope you become motivated to conquer your dreams as my character did.

Book preview

Contents

2

3

4

5

It is dusk. A thick fog is clinging like wool around my old grey, nineteen-eighty seven, Dodge tuck.

I feel the savage wind digging into my bones as it blows through the truck’s loose fitting windows and doors. This truck sat idol for three years while I served with the U.S. Marines in Iraq. The paint job is still in pretty good shape, but the insulation has deteriorated from the crewel Montana weather.

We have received the unexpected news of my mother’s only sister and her husband, being fatality injured in an automobile accident. This means Sheri, their only daughter, will be left all alone.

Sheri is a sophomore in High School.

My mother was devastated at the loss of her only sister. No one had been ready to face such an unbelievable tragedy.

Our mother’s determined years ago, they would care of each others children if the need ever arose. We never dreamed that such a thing would actually happen.

My mother immediately set the wheels in motion to bring Sheri to live with our family in Montana.

But––-Sheri has other plans. She has made arrangements to enroll in the Pharmacy College located in Weatherford, Oklahoma just as soon as she graduates High School.

Sheri is not only pretty, but intelligent and very strong willed.

I didn’t know who I felt sorrier for, Sheri or my mother.

I could see this is going to be tough on everyone.

Sheri is determined she will not leave the only home she has ever known in Clinton, Oklahoma.

After many discussions and with the promise she could return to attend her senior year in Clinton High School, Sheri agreed to give Montana a try.

Sheri’s parents left strict instructions about keeping the family home in Clinton for Sherri.

I have never thought about making plans for a child’s future.

It certainly didn’t take me long to check what plans my parents had in store for me.

2

It is February twenty-third and bitter cold.

I drive slowly around the lake area here in Clinton. I watch the yellow plastic Police tape whip in the blustering wind, which never seems to stop blowing in Oklahoma.

The body of my beautiful sixteen year old niece, had been found floating in the frigid water of this popular lake. This lake is a favorite hang out for Clinton teenagers.

I can not understand what Jeri was doing out here, at this time of the year, alone.

I have just returned from Jeri’s Memorial Service, which was held in the Clinton High School Gym.

Jeri had been head cheerleader here for the past three years.

I haven’t any knowledge of what actually happened to my niece.

I always thought of Jeri like a daughter, rather than a niece.

My parents and I were troubled at the lack of information Sheri had given us concerning Jeri’s death.

Past history with Sheri’s husband, Brad Fleming, made my parents uncomfortable.

We decided I should be the one to be with Sheri during this traumatic time of grief.

I will never understand why Sheri married Brad Fleming. I absolutely have no use for him, but for Sheri’s sake, I can handle anything for a few hours.

After eighteen short months in Montana, Sheri excitedly began packing and planning for her return to Clinton, Oklahoma. She is anxious to spend her senior year with friends and former classmates graduating together.

Sheri’s wisdom surprised me and my parents. My parents are still apprehensive about Sheri taking on such responsibilities and making adult decisions.

I took Sheri back to Clinton on my way to enlist in the Marines.

Sheri was excited at the thought of moving back into her childhood home.

We spent time getting Sheri settled into her knew life. It didn’t take Sheri