How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I know this meant a lot to you, Tom. But don't let it get you down. Not too far, anyway." (32.10)
Billy-Bob gives Tom this advice after Tom finds out that someone else bought the Breen property, and Billy-Bob suggests that Tom can make an offer to the barn's new owner. Like Birdy, Billy-Bob encourages Tom to adjust rather than give up when his original plan doesn't pan out exactly as he'd imagined.
Quote #5
It meant waiting through a third winter. (34.1)
Getting the barn does not come fast or easy for Tom. He's been working at the mill for more than two years now, and he's been saving his money, making his plans, and learning about carpentry. It's hard to wait for your dreams to come true, but Tom never gives up.
Quote #6
They spent pretty near the whole afternoon working out how they were going do the job. Birdy suggested that the afternoons when Polly Ann was using Drew to get to and from her house jobs Tom should set out walking to Hawkinsville as soon as the mill closed. He, Birdy, would come along with his team about the time Tom would get across the bridge and ride him up to the Breen place from there. It would save the time waiting to pick Tom up beyond Fisk Bridge. Through most of the summer they ought to get two or more working hours every evening. Sundays they would plan to work all day. It was going to be quite a job, but Birdy saw no reason they could not get it done. (37.6)
As if doing chores at home, walking three miles to and from work, and putting in a full day at the mill weren't enough, Tom now has to pull nights and Sundays to get the barn taken down and built back up. Yikes. The tireless work is a true indication of the relentless effort Tom is willing to put in for his dream.