Writing back to Durrell: My “Toodles”
In the early 1900s, a little boy named Durrell won a pony named Toodles. Here is an excerpt from his letter:
One night I had a terrible time. It grew dark suddenly and a storm came up, making the night all the more fearsome with its flashes of lightning and thunder that roared like a cannon. I only thought of my pony [in his barn] and how lonesome he must be with no papa or mama near him to take care of him. When it stopped raining I ran to the window to see whether all was safe in the barns. Then, horrors! What do you think I saw? Why a man with a lantern trying to unlock the door of my pony stall. I tried to scream so as to scare the burgler off but what more did he do but force the door open and lead “Toodles” out. I cried and cried until I heard mama say, “Come boy, it’s time to get up now.” Then I saw it was broad day light and my experiences only a dream. Was I glad to see my pony again? You bet I was. I have only the warmest spot in my heart for The Farmer’s Wife which helped me to win my pony.
If I could write a letter back to Durrell, here is what I’d share with him:
Dear Durrell,
Oh my! You did not have a dream; you had a nightmare!
Reading your letter, I was certain that your beloved Toodles had been stolen. There have been so many boys and girls who have shared that they have been offered money to buy their ponies. I was certain that Toodles was going to be the victim of thievery. I felt the anxiety riding in my heart as I read your words. I was pounding on the window and screaming alongside you! What a horrible sight!
I was so relieved to read that your precious Toodles was safe and sound. As I read the words that your mother woke you up, I let out breath I had not realized I had been holding. What a relief.
Oh, how I hope that you never had a bad dream again and your precious Toodles was always safe under your care.
Warmly,
Regina
p.s. I dream of my teeth falling out, not being able to get my huge contacts in my eyes, and not having enough clothes on…
