October 25, 2007
Magna-Doodlebug
I bought my son a Magna-Doodle yesterday. I probably never would have purchased this toy if it wasn’t on sale.
Magna-Doodles bring back sad memories of my grandmother’s struggle with communication as the result of her many strokes. Grandma Alice couldn’t speak and she wrote her responses to conversations on a Magna-Doodle or dry erase board.
When we went out to breakfast with my parents a few weeks ago, a little area of the dining room had a box of toys ready for impatient and hungry children to play with while waiting for their toast and eggs. Dawson chose to play with the Magna-Doodle and he loved it so much.
I watched him draw shapes, faces, and other scribbles. He made a near perfect circle and was so proud of himself! So, when I saw that these toys were on sale at Target I decided to purchase one. I was going to wait until Christmas to give it to him, but I started to get a little sad.
My grandmother died December 6, 2005. I just didn’t want to have sad memories of her when Dawson opened that toy at Christmas. I’m certain this sounds completely irrational, ridiculous even. But I came home and gave Dawson the toy.
“Mumma! This for me??” Dawson asked. The smile on his face was priceless. He was so happy.
“Yes, buddy. That is for you. Do you remember what that is?” I asked.
“Uh-huh, this my drawing toy.” Dawson said.
“Yeah. It’s called a Magna-Doodle. For my Doodlebug.” I told him.
“Thanks, Mumma, for buying this for me.” he said. He ran over to me and gave me a hug. It was the best hug ever.
Dawson spent the entire evening drawing and erasing and drawing some more. I couldn’t believe how much he loved his new toy.
This morning as we were getting ready, he asked if he could take it to Renee’s house.
“Okay, but you have to share with the other kids and don’t lose the magnetic shapes, okay?”
“I promise Mumma. Dawson share with all the kids, kay?
“Okay.”
He clutched the toy in his arms and we got into the car. He drew pictures all the way to daycare. When we got inside, he ran to show his friends. As I was leaving, Dawson stopped playing, ran to me and said, “Love you, Mumma.”
Who knew a $10 toy could bring so much joy and love to my little Magna-Doodlebug?
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October 25th, 2007 at 2:16 pm, Miss Says:
To him and you! Great post!
October 25th, 2007 at 3:17 pm, Trish Says:
Your reasoning doesn’t sound irrational at all. Makes perfect sense to me as I’m sure it does to others.
Everytime my kids get excited to see Papa and Grandma I have to remind myself it’s my parents and not my Grandparents. It saddens me so much that they all won’t know each other.
What a lovely story to tell Dawson when he has children of his own.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:29 am, Liz Says:
Oh my goodness, Dana, I just want to give you and Doodlebug such a BIG hug.
My grandmother passed away 4 years ago, this month and the children and I miss her terribly.
The funny thing is, she spoke very little English and how she loved playing with the kids and their Magna Doodle. She would draw a picture and then writing the Hungarian word and then the kids would teach her how to spell it, in English.
Thanks for making me think of her and feeling all warm fuzzy on such a blustery day!
October 26th, 2007 at 9:59 am, Dana Says:
Liz, I’m glad I was able to make you feel warm and fuzzy! Those magnadoodles are kind of magical, eh?
-hugs-
October 27th, 2007 at 9:34 pm, Daisy Says:
My oldest LOVED her magnadoodle. She was a magnadoodlebug, too. I’m glad you were able to give this to your little sweetie, despite the difficult memories.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:31 pm, Dawn Says:
He’s such a sweet boy!
November 1st, 2007 at 8:33 am, Dana Says:
Thanks, Dawn!
Daisy, I agree. It was a good thing.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:26 pm, Leslie Says:
Sounds like the perfect toy at the perfect time! Your boy is a sweetheart.