Dear M
Someone pressed a button today. I am so very happy as this means I get to travel, meet someone new and (hopefully) be loved. I have been sitting here waiting for this big moment for ages, so I hope you don’t mind that I want to let you know how excited I am.
I couldn’t sleep last night, knowing that I would be on my way to you. I’m not a grown up, so I don’t know the way and really don’t know how long it is going to take me to get to you. It may seem like forever, but it really won’t be so if you get a bit worried about this, ask your favourite grown up to email me and I’ll see if I can write again.
I understand that I might remind you of a recent loss. I am a new friend for you. Not to take the place of, but to be an extra friend to try and help make things better. When I get there, I realise I might make you cry a bit when you remember why I’m here. I don’t mind getting wet… well because I am nice like that.
I’m not big. I’m not small. I’m just right. Not better, just slightly different. I’m really open to being your new friend and so hope that you will be mine. In fact I’m looking forward to having a really good cuddle with you. Cuddles are one of the best things in life and I know someone who is really good at very big squishy cuddles, the kind that take your breath away, so I’ve been practising very, very hard.
I think you are never too big for a cuddle – ever! Sometimes people call them hugs, but I know the difference and I hope you do too? When you give a hug you get one in return. Not many people realise that, so you need to tell them, it will make them smile.
I am hopping about a bit now as I’m getting excited again.
Looking forward to meeting you very soon.
Big hug!
Me
Marj's writing 
Dear Barry
That’s what I’ve named you! Thank you for writing to me. I loved it quite a lot.
I have a surprise birthday for you when you get here because it will be your first day.
I want to ask you what your front legs are for, because ducks only have 2, but you seem to have 4. Please can you answer?
You might like Brambles, my pet rabbit. (he’s not a real rabbit, but he talks and acts like a real rabbit.)
I am looking forward to meeting you when you get here.
Lots of love
Matthew & Joanne!
Hello Matthew and Joanne!
Thank you for writing back so soon. [I have a silly smile on my face right now as I really feel I belong to someone and that’s the bestest feeling ever!]
I had to think very hard (as I am a duck not blessed with cleverness) about what you meant by front legs? For a moment there you had me puzzled. Four legs? I had to count them out (I think you’ll be better at counting than I am but I think I got it right)
Like this:
First leg… yes, got one of the those
Second leg… definitely got one of those as well …
Then I flapped a bit and it suddenly hit me what you meant. You’re talking about my *wings*. These ones here [if you were sitting beside me you’d see me pointing at myself, waving my “front” legs about a bit] I have wings! I hope that answers your question.
I am now really, really, really looking forward to meeting you. I like surprises and I love parties. I’m also quite keen on rabbits so that’s good. Will there be enough room on the bed for us all?
Best of all I am looking forward to being with you and having lots of cuddles. If Joanne is good (is she?) then she’s allowed to cuddle too.
You look after yourself. I really am trying to get to you as soon as I can.
Much hugs
Barry
PS I *love* my name xx
Dear M (and J)
Barry here!
I don’t think you really know how much it means to me to have a name. When I get to you, and we’re cuddled up together, if you listen very carefully you’ll hear me saying thank you.
I just L-O-V-E my name!! ❤ ❤ ❤
I still don't know how long it's going to take for me to get to reach you. I feel quite impatient as I am sure you are. Impatient means… well it means lots of things. It can mean anxious, nervous, twitchy, jumpy and keen. Well let me tell you… I am *all* of those things as I am looking forward meeting you so much.
You say there's enough room for all of us. How much? I don't take up much room at all.
Counting the days, hours and minutes until we meet.
Love
Barry x
Dear M (and J)
I’m sitting here twiddling my wings and starting to get fed up. Being somewhere (I’ve no idea where) on my way to you is getting… b-o-r-i-n-g.
I am hoping you haven’t forgotten about me and that you are still saving a space on your bed. I worry about that. Space on a bed for a duck is very important.
If I knew when I was going to arrive, I’d let you know. All I know is that it is pretty dark here and I need a very large cuddle. I hope you’re saving them up for me.
I’ll write again if I have any news. Counting the days until I’m finally there.
Take care
Love
Barry xxx
Barryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
I have not forgotten you are coming. I am getting bored waiting too. There is a lot of space for you on my bed as I had to have a tidy up. 🙂
I cannot wait to see you. It is exciting!
I have to go to bed now, Barry. Sorry.
I can’t believe you keep writing to me. I think it’s the people at the post office really, but Joanne says ducks can type with their beaks.
See you whenever you get here.
Lots of love from Matthew xx