A letter to Anne Shirley

Anne of Green Gables is my literary heroine. She is everything I would be if I could. And if I were to write a letter to Anne Shirley, I think it would go something like this.

Dear Miss Anne Shirley,

I have gained many things from the reading of your adventures. I have found my own bosom friends and kindred spirits. I have made plum puffs and chicken salad and served them outside! Scandalous, I know.

I wrap my children up in my arms and cuddle them goodnight and overindulge them with love and affection on a regular basis. Would you be proud of me for that? I think so.

I have allowed myself to be whimsical and day-dreamy and I have certainly been lost in my made up story lines of damsels in distress. I have been part of misunderstandings that were certainly innocent on my part. I have often wanted to "drink in" the loveliness that is around me and create something that is better than myself.

I have wished for a Miss Cornelia to sagely state "Just like a man" while we mend clothes and sew baby dresses. I have been inspired to befriend the prickly pears and find that they truly are sweet once you get past their prickles.

My temper has subsided with age and I no longer push boys down who say something mean. (I'm sorry Billy Dahlman and that kid from the gifted workshop).

I try to not be vain about the features I like about myself and to in turn not judge the features of others. I wish I could get a lesson from you on setting a table for "tea".

I'm happy to say that I married my own "Gilbert", though I never broke a slate over his head. I can read a good book from front to back without noticing a thing around me.

I named my 4th child after you and my mother (that's why it is Ann with an E ). And I often wonder what you, Anne, would do when faced with some of the events in my life.

I love you Anne Shirley. You are as real to me as many a friend, and truly you are a kindred spirit. I look forward to many re-readings of your adventures and sharing this joy with my own daughters.

With much devotion and warmest regards,

Mrs. Amy Allen