Dear Liza,
I have told you how Harold came to be with us and his travels in America. Did you know he has been to different countries, as well?
When we took our trips to England, France, Ireland and The Netherlands, Harold came along. I made him a backpack to hold his passport and sketchbook. I even wrote a poem about his getting ready for our winter in Europe!
Twas the week before travelin’ and Harold’s been busy
Packing and checking and getting all dizzy.
His backpack is filled up, his papers in order
(In case he gets stopped as we pass through a border)
All that’s left is waiting for the day that we leave
As he reads up on places to go, (by Rick Steves)
Paris for Christmas, with church bells and lamplight
Amsterdam for New Years, fireworks at midnight
His lovely beret keeps his head nice and warm
His scarf compliments his soft chubby form
So follow along and we’ll see where he goes
Harold and his people, through rain clouds and snows.
The wonderful thing about traveling with a stuffed animal is that they make friends everywhere. Old people wave from across the train. Children have their stuffties wave, too, and even if we don’t speak the same language, we have shared a smile.
Harold has visited noblemen in Ireland, learned about our favorite Irish writer, Oscar Wilde, and tried to visit a castle (they didn’t answer the door).
Harold has so many adventures, they may even need their own storybook sometime. But for now, he is enjoying having lots of snuggles with Cousin Maddie.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 