Stuffalo, A Little White Buffalo

{This story was written in 2000 by me for my granddaughter Jellybean. I wanted her to learn the love of being over the road even though she couldn’t go. The stories were to help her grow in love and appreciation of people from all walks of life. The last chapter written is dedicated to a little boy who was born to die. His love for horses set the stage. This builds the imagination and love for life itself. Now she tells her children stories.}

Grizz and Sweet Pea were truck drivers who lived their job across the United States of America. They loved each other very much and loved their country. Everyday was an adventure and held new surprises for both of them. Stuffalo is a little white stuffed buffalo that was found in Oklahoma. Grizz was there for a quick stop from his driving. After eating he happened to see the stuffed animal sitting on a shelf and knew this would make his Sweet-Pea happy. Without hesitation he bought her and took her back to the truck where Sweet-Pea was still sleeping.

Grizz woke Sweet-Pea and told her it was her time to drive. That meant getting up, dressed and getting something to eat before starting out. As Sweet-Pea started out of the truck, she noticed the little white buffalo on the driver's seat. "She's beautiful, Grizz," cried Sweet-Pea. "I'll call her Stuffalo."

Stuffalo didn't let anyone see her smile as she received a big hug from Sweet-Pea. She knew from that moment that this was going to be a good home for her. Sweet-Pea put her back down on the seat and told her she had to go eat but that she'd be back soon and then they would explore the world together.

Stuffalo watched Grizz climb back into the bunk to go to sleep. The big truck made so much noise that it scared her. She looked all around her new surroundings. "It's so big in here" she thought "I'd better be careful, I could get lost very easily".

Looking around she also noticed there were no other animals for her to talk to. "If Sweet-Pea is gone a long time it's going to get lonely in here. At least I had friends in the store". As Stuffalo sat there a lonely tear fell from her eye.

Sweet-Pea rushed down her food because she wanted to get back to her new friend and her driving. Sweet-Pea loved to drive. It was a relaxing job for her. She enjoyed taking the evening shift as often as possible because there were usually less drivers on the road but mostly because she got to enjoy watching the beautiful sunsets. It was her favorite time of day.

Sweet-Pea got back to her truck and instead of getting right to her logs as usual she picked up her little buffalo and introduced herself properly. "Stuffalo, Sweet-Pea and if you don't mind I’m just going to call you "Stuffy" as my pet name for you". Stuffy smiled. "You and I are going to have some great adventures in this truck. We get to go all over this beautiful country and see many marvelous things".

"I'll tell you what Stuffy, how about I put you right up here on the dashboard so you can see everything I do. Then we'll both be surprised together". Now Stuffalo was really very happy. She not only got a new home and a new friend but she also got a chance to travel and see things she never saw before or even knew existed. "Life is going to be great," Stuffalo thought.

Sweet-Pea pulled down her log book to update it. Stuffalo watched her every step of the way with great curiosity. Sweet-Pea saw her watching and decided she would explain everything to Stuffalo so she would understand what it was all about.

"Stuffy, truck drivers have to keep a record of all of our time and all the stops we make even if it is only for a few minutes. We do this in this log book. At the end of each trip, after we make our delivery, we mail this and all the paperwork concerning the load we are carrying back to our company. They go over all the information very carefully and when they are satisfied that everything was done correctly we get paid. So I hope you can see why this is a very important part of our job too".

After doing the paperwork, Sweet-Pea buckled her seat belt and started out onto the highway. "Exit 108 will always be a very special exit for me because that is where Grizz got you for me".

Heading west on I40 there was a lot to be seen. Leaving Oklahoma and entering into Texas was something that got Stuffy excited. A lot of truckers didn't like driving here because of the speed limit but Sweet-Pea didn't mind the 55 MPH. She got to enjoy more of her surroundings and was very impressed by all the sights around them. "Everything is so big and there's so much to see," she thought.

Stuffy saw many fields that seemed to go on and on. She saw so many big buildings she could never imagine existed. There were lots of farms…cow farms, ostrich farms, horse farms and lots of food farms. Mostly there were cow farms because everyone knows cows and Texas go together. There were so many kinds of trees too. The further they went the more kinds of trees she saw. She liked the trees and the fields the best. She thought one day it would be nice to be out in one of those fields.

Now came Sweet-Pea's favorite time of day. She pulled into a rest area and parked her truck. Sweet-Pea picked up her little buffalo and carried her out of the truck and then climbed with her to the top of the truck. Stuffalo was a little nervous about this but decided she would just wait to see what was going to happen next.

Sweet-Pea and Stuffalo got comfortable atop the truck and then Sweet-Pea said to her new little friend "now you just watch the sky and you will see one of the most wonderful sights you can ever see."

The evening sky started to change colors. It went from the blues and whites to pinks and purples and to reds and oranges. The sun seems to be so big and then start to just disappear behind the earth somewhere. Stuffalo had never seen anything like this before. She only knew that there was Light and Dark. She did not like the dark because she couldn't see very well and noises she heard she could not tell where they were coming from but light always gave her eyes to see. She decided that this was going to be her favorite time of day too.

Sweet-Pea now told her "Stuffy, this is what we call sunset. Every night the same thing happens but you will never see the same picture twice. Every night it's just as beautiful but so very different just like every day is".

At that Sweet-Pea picked up Stuffalo and climbed back into her truck. She logged herself a fifteen minute break and started driving some more. Stuffalo was starting to get very tired from all the excitement of the day's activities. Sweet-Pea picked her up from the dash and gently set her into the passenger seat. "You sleep now, Stuffy, you've had a very busy day. You've gotten a new home, new friends and have seen a lot of new things. It's getting dark now and tomorrow is another day. We'll have a new adventure then. Everyday holds something new and wonderful".

Stuffalo fell into such a deep and peaceful sleep and dreamed about fields and trees and beautiful colors. Sleep felt good in her new home with her new friend beside her. Good night Stuffalo.

Chapter / Story 2 Becoming Real Friends

Stuffalo loved being in the big truck with her Sweet-Pea and Grizz. They were always going to new places and seeing many things. Sweet-Pea sang to her and talked with her and when it was Sweet-Pea's time to sleep, she cuddled her every time. She especially loved her place on the dashboard. She saw beautiful painted deserts, really high mountains and long rivers. Even waterfalls.

"Everything is so beautiful" she thought "someday maybe I could run out there, outside of the truck and feel the grass under my white fluffy hooves. Stuffy loved Sweet Pea very much. She could feel the love that Sweet Pea had for her and for Grizz. She thought if all people were like them then the world is truly a wonderful place to be. She was the happiest little white buffalo in the world.

One day when Sweet Pea was heading east on I70 in Colorado they saw a magnificent eagle slowly gliding it's way across the highway. It's wings went up and down so gracefully as it crossed the road tight in front of the big truck. Sweet Pea and Stuffy were so taken in by the beauty and majesty of this most wonderful sight. "He's so beautiful" said Stuffy "it would be great to have a friend like that!"

"Yes he is," said Sweet Pea as they watched the eagle slowly fly out of sight. "That really would make a wonderful companion for you, Stuffy. Many years ago the buffalo and the eagle truly were the beauty that ruled this great nation of ours. Don't worry little one, you'll always have me as your friend and I'll never let you down.

As they traveled across the country Sweet Pea kept telling her little companion of all the things she saw, felt and dreamed about. She got to loving Stuffalo so much that she even felt her feelings before she spoke of them. The two became one mind in heart. Soul mates.

Stuffy really enjoyed it when Sweet Pea's drove because she would tell her all kinds of stories and things she never knew. "Every day she tells me a new story and we always have a new adventure. She never has anything bad to say about anything or anyone. I'm the luckiest little buffalo in the world."

As time went on Stuffy learned about many things of the world and different kinds of people and animals and other living things. "What good is all this knowledge that Sweet Pea shares with me if I can't share it with anyone else?" Then all of a sudden, like a bolt of lightning out of nowhere, she started to feel lonely.

Stuffy saw Sweet Pea watching her. She saw love and concern in her eyes for now Sweet Pea knew something was bothering her little friend. Stuffy was afraid to tell her how she felt. "She won't understand", thought Stuffalo.

"Stuffy, you know I love you and your feelings are very important to me. Everyone who thinks, feels and feelings are very important and real. I can't help you if you don't share those feelings with me. When people care for each other they want to know how each other feel, they want to share their ideas and feelings good and bad. That brings them closer together and they help each other any way they can. Sometimes just by listening. It is written that a true friend is there all the time, especially in times of trouble. That is how you know who your real friends are. Real friends don’t run away from you just because of a bad day or they heard someone say something or of a misunderstanding. Real friends stick it out and draw closer together especially in problems and hard times. I hope you understand that. Now, won't you tell me what is bothering you. I want to help you to be happy from deep inside of you and here in your new home."

Stuffy looked into Sweet Pea's face and knew everything she said she really meant and believed. She was able to trust Sweet Pea so she finally opened up her heart to tell her how she felt. "Sweet Pea, I know that you love me and you share so much with me. I know that you love Grizz. You share even more with him and I love him too! I was so happy the day he bought me, I knew that my life was going to be good. Everything has been so wonderful and I've learned so much. When I watch you and Grizz leave the truck I sit here and wait for you to come home but while you are gone I'm so alone. I have no one to talk to or share all the wonderful things I've learned. I know that I should be happy with what I have and I am; b u t… I'm sure others feel the same way I do. When you have something good you want to share it with others. Isn't that right? And when you are gone I'm lonely."

Sweet Pea gently picked up her little Stuffalo and brought her close to her heart. She held her in silence for just a short time. Stuffy could hear the beating of her heart and she began to relax to the rhythm. Then Sweet Pea said to her in a quiet whisper, "Stuffy, you are growing and you are such a good friend to me. Everything that I have I want to share with you. I promise you very, very soon you will be making new friends. Life is so new to you now and if you'll be a little patient, you'll see that friends will come your way." Stuffy asked, "what's patient?" "That means just waiting with all your heart to see what will happen next" answered Sweet Pea. Stuffy knew Sweet Pea always told her the truth, so Stuffy took comfort in her words and settled on the idea of being patient.

The time came again for Sweet Pea to pull into a truck stop to change drivers again. As Grizz got up to get ready for his shift, Sweet Pea logged out and they both climbed into the bunk. Grizz kissed Sweet Pea and told her to sleep well. Sweet Pea and Stuffy talked for a while but then both fell into a deep sleep, a comfortable dreamy sleep and together dreamed the most wonderful dream.

Chapter / Story 3 Dreams Are for Sharing

The sun was shining high as Grizz was driving on Interstate 80. He was heading west bound into Wyoming while Sweep Pea was sleeping in the bunk. Laying beside her was Stuffy, the little buffalo he had bought for her just a short time ago.

They were both into a deep sleep after their long night drive and talking themselves to sleep. Now, because they had become so close they were even dreaming the same dream. Stuffy could feel the cool wet grass under her hooves. Running together with Sweet Pea in a big open field. They were laughing as they ran just enjoying the freedom of the wide open range. Soon they came to a stop and both lay down on the grass enjoying the warm day.

Sweet Pea, tell me about the time when buffalo ran like we could today." Sweet Pea looked at her little precious buffalo. "How can I tell her what really happened to them", she thought. "Such a wonderful creature to become so few but again, they did eventually become protected again so their number would increase once more."

Stuffy could see that Sweet Pea was thinking about what she asked her. The look on her face went from happiness to sadness and then to real concentration. That puzzled her. "Why can't she just tell me like she does everything else?" Sweet Pea looking down at her smiled. "Stuffy, many years ago way before I was born there were so many buffalo that when they ran in the field they shook the ground beneath their feet and it sounded louder than all the trucks in a truck stop.

There were groups of people that loved the buffalo very much and respected them as the magnificent creatures that they are. They really appreciated them. Times changed and more people moved into the land who didn't feel the same way. Some of them were mean and very selfish. They even moved those people out of their own area so they could live there. They didn't have an appreciation for the buffalo that they should. They killed many of the buffalo off to hurt the original people who depended on them.

As time went on, things started to change again and this time people started to realize they had to do something before all the buffalo would disappear. The government started to protect the buffalo so they could become many again. Today there are many ranches all over the United States where they live that keep them protected and growing in numbers. They are taken very special care of now. Sometimes every so many years a very special buffalo is born and that one is treated extra special. That is when a little white buffalo is born."

Well, at first Stuffy was upset by this story but upon hearing of the baby buffalo her ears perked up and her eyes sparkled up into Sweet Pea's eyes and very excited asked, "SPECIAL, why special?" Now Sweet Pea was smiling. She saw that her little friend had ears to hear what was being said. So she went on to tell her about it.

"The story kinda goes like this… Long ago a pretty lady came into a village of the people who loved all the buffalo. She gave a special pipe to the people and told them that they would have good things coming to them. This made them very happy. Upon leaving their village the people saw her turn into a white buffalo calf. So every time a white buffalo is born people would come from everywhere to celebrate."

Stuffy said with much excitement, "I'm a White Buffalo!" "Yes you are, Stuffy, and that's why Grizz bought you for me. You see, Stuffy, I always told Grizz about my dreams before you came along. He believes in me and wants only good things and success for me. He decided I needed my own white buffalo. You are a symbol that represents all that is good. You, my little Stuffalo, are my inspiration to keep going forward in planning because you also represent all the love and support that Grizz has for me."

Well at hearing this Stuffy's little white chest just became full with pride and joy and great expectation. She held her head high. She felt so good not only for who she was but for what she was. "Sweet Pea, I hope all of your dreams come true, too. So, what are you dreaming of anyway? What are you planning?" Someday, Stuffy, I'm going to open a business of my own where families are going to be able to come and everyone can have fun together, young and old. It takes a lot of planning but thanks to Grizz urging me on and my daughter Dreamer helping me so much, we are almost ready. In the meantime we are going to enjoy our truck driving experiences. Trucking is not just a job, it's a way of life. I love my life, don't you?"

At that, Sweet Pea and Stuffy heard some noise in the distance. Stuffy saw some creatures running towards them. She heard them chattering and didn't know what they were. Sweet Pea told Stuffy to be still and to wait to see what happens. Stuffy was a little scared of the strange looking creatures running at them.

"What are they? What do they want? asked Stuffy. Don't be afraid, Stuffy, I won't let anything happen to you. You've always trusted me before, trust me now." The strange creatures came right up to Stuffy and stopped. They were smelling all around them and chattering to each other.

"Stuffy, these are raccoons, they live in the wild just like buffalo and they are very curious creatures. They are smelling us because they've never seen us before. See their faces, it's like each one is wearing a mask. They are really very cute and friendly aren't they?

One raccoon came right up to Stuffy and said, "Hi, my name is Cory - who are you?"

Just then Sweet Pea and Stuffy heard Grizz calling. They looked all around but couldn't find him. It seemed so far away but they heard him again and again…"Sweet Pea -Sweet Pea and then Sweet Pea and stuffy both woke up to see Grizz was calling her for it was again time for her to drive.

"Boy, that was some dream, ' said Stuffy. I almost had a chance to make a new friend”. Sweet Pea made sure to let her know "You can always see them again in your dreams, Stuffy, anytime you want to. All you have to do is use your mind and your heart. That's what makes life so wonderful, the ability to dream."

Sweet Pea sat up in the bunk and picked up her Stuffy, when their eyes were fully opened, there was Grizz saying, "Wake up you two, it's your turn to drive. They looked at Grizz and he was holding a little stuffed raccoon in his hand.

"I stopped and got this for Stuffalo, I thought she could use a friend when we go to the truck stops." Sweet Pea popped right up and said "Oh, Grizz, he is so cute. Now Stuffy has a friend to share with while we are gone." Sweet Pea put the little raccoon down right next to Stuffy on the bunk and then she and Grizz went in to eat.

Stuffy looked at her new friend and said "Hi, Cory, my name is Stuffalo, but Sweet Pea, that's that lady that just left with Grizz, she calls me Stuffy and you can too cause that what friends do and your my new friend and I have so many things I want to share with you. You'll love being in this truck. The world is so big and beautiful." At that they started getting to know one another as Stuffy let Cory know that there will always be another adventure.

Chapter / Story 4 The Pony Ride - Dedicated to Dillon

Sweet Pea was heading southbound on I25 in Colorado. Now Stuffy and her Cory were sitting on the dashboard watching out the windshield for all the sights they could see. It was the fall of the year and the trees were showing their beautiful fall colors. On the top of the mountains you could see snow. It was such a beautiful picture. As they were driving they saw ranch after ranch. There were lot's of cowboys riding their horses and herding their cattle.

Sweet Pea heard Stuffy telling Cory, her new friend, that she would love to ride a horse. "It looks like so much fun," said Stuffy. "It's been many years since I rode a horse", said Sweet pea, "I was pregnant with Dreamer. I had the chance to ride a beautiful Appaloosa. It was a lot of fun. The wind blows in your hair, you travel with the flow of the horse beneath you. You actually ride as one." After Sweet Pea finished Cory didn't know what to think! He loved to play and run around but never thought about horses.

Sweet Pea pulled off onto the side of the road to see if maybe one of the cowboys would come over. She picked up Stuffy and Cory and carried them over to the fence. She waved to the cowboys and one of them came riding over. "Howdy, Cowboy, my name is Sweet Pea and these little ones are Stuffy and Cory."

"Well, howdy there, y'all! I'm cowboy Dillon and it's unusual to see such a little white buffalo in these here parts. What can I do for you?"

Cowboy Dillon, my friends have been enjoying watching you and your friends ride with the cattle and Stuffy here was wondering what it was like to ride. I told them about my doing it years ago but Stuffy is now more curious than her friend Cory. I was wondering if you could take a few minutes with them?"

The cowboy looked at the little friends and asked "will you trust me to take you up here and let you see for yourself?" Stuffy got so excited that she almost fell out of Sweet Pea's arms trying to get to the cowboy. Sweet Pea handed them up one at a time and Dillon situated them so they would be safe up on the saddle right in front of him.

"Little Lady, we'll be back in just a few minutes" the cowboy told Sweet Pea. Sweet Pea watched as the cowboy started with a slow walk with her little friends in the saddle. She could see the excitement in Stuffy's face. Then the cowboy started his horse into a trot and then a slow run. Stuffy seemed to be enjoying herself so much. Her eyes were wide while the wind was blowing in her mane. Cory seemed to have fun too but had a different opinion about just sitting still. Well, that's the way raccoons are. Sweet Pea was happy for her little friends who had the chance to do something very different for them.

Up and down the horse ran, with one hand on the reins and the other over the two friends so they wouldn't fall off. Cowboy Dillon turned back toward the fence where Sweet Pea was eagerly waiting for them. She saw the joy in their faces as the horse approached. He handed each one down to her very carefully. Stuffy and Cory were so elated. She told the Cowboy Dillon "I can't thank you enough. These two will always remember this day and I am sure I'll be hearing about it for a very long time. You have made us all so happy by showing this kindness to us even though we were strangers."

"Sweet Pea," said Cowboy Dillon," If everyone could take just a little time of their day to make even one little one happy, this world would have miles of smiles in this great nation of ours. I did what I could so they will always remember cowboys have fun too and love seeing little ones happy. You go on now, I know you've got to deliver that load somewhere. Maybe we will see each other again. Have a good day and Thank You for letting me have a part in sharing their joy!"

Sweet Pea said goodbye to the cowboy as Stuffy and Cory sang out a BIG ‘Thank You Cowboy Dillon’ as loud as they could. They climbed back into the truck and Sweet Pea logged a fifteen minute break and started back onto the highway.

Stuffy and Cory were chattering so much about their wonderful experience that they woke Grizz. He came out of the sleeper to see what was going on. When they told him everything they both were talking all so fast that it made Grizz’ head spin and Sweet Pea started laughing so hard she was crying. Finally he got them quiet enough to find out what all the commotion was all about. "Sweet Pea, what's going on out here? These two are so excited they woke me up?"

Sweet Pea told Grizz of the little one's adventure. She also told him about how the cowboy felt about showing the little ones a time to remember. Now Grizz was smiling as he picked up Stuffy and Cory saying to them, "You are really getting an interesting education out here and having fun doing it. I'm glad that all three of you are enjoying everything you can. Now, if you all don't mind I am going to go back in there to go back to sleep. I’m glad you are having fun, you are sharing all your adventures and that you are so happy, but could you just do it a little quieter? I need to sleep so when it is my turn I won't be tired."

Stuffy kissed Grizz on his cheek and told him they would be. She loved Grizz so much! She promised him that all three of them would keep it down. Grizz kissed Sweet Pea and went back to bed. Sweet Pea looked at the two little ones and told them "OK you two, you watch out the window because we are going to be coming up to the scales soon and here in Colorado I have to go in if they are open.

Cory being new on the truck had no idea what Sweet Pea was talking about and asked Sweet Pea about them. Knowing how much Stuffy wanted to have a friend to share her knowledge with, Sweet Pea suggested that Stuffy explain it all to him but quietly. This made Stuffy feel very proud and she began to tell Cory about the Weigh Station.

“All trucks have to go into the weigh station to be weighed when they are open. Some places have a special machine that tells some trucks they can pass by. Here in Colorado truckers have to pull in and go inside to get a special receipt to put in their windshields while they are driving through the state. Sometimes Sweet Pea is in there for just a couple of minutes and sometimes longer. She has to show them her permit book and sometimes her log book too. But, she always comes back out and we drive again so there is nothing to worry about.”

Just then Sweet Pea started to pull into the scales, weighed the truck and pulled forward to park. "I'll be right back, little ones, you two keep it down so Grizz can sleep. OK?" They promised.

Shortly she was back, logged a stop and got back on the road again. "I wonder what our next adventure will be," said Sweet Pea to her friends. They both said together, "whatever it is we can't wait."