Letter to a Box Turtle

Dear Nemo,

I miss you. I've only known you for a few days--since we found you in the woods. It's always exciting to find box turtles in the woods, but usually I leave them to continue their natural lives unhindered after a nice little chat.

But you were different. When I saw you, I loved you. I didn't love you for your perfection and strength--but for your weakness and vulnerability. You were small, and you were missing an eye and half of your front leg. You came with a story that I wished to know, but could only guess. Was it a bird, when you were very tiny? Maybe an evil raccoon or fox? Whatever it was, you escaped! Your wounds healed, and the scars you bear reveal your will to survive.

I knew I couldn't keep you long. Such a survivor needs an adventure, and there's little to be found in a small plastic box, no matter how nice the grass and moss. But thank you for humoring me and politely sampling my strawberries and cherry tomatoes. I hope you hold special memories of those bites somewhere in your tiny turtle heart for days to come.

You needed more than I could give you. In my world, it was too quiet and you were stuck with a vegetarian diet. You needed more worms and insects. You needed to hear the birds and crickets and wind rustling the leaves. You needed to feel the sticks and moss and leaves all beneath your feet, and the rain thudding gently on your back. You needed less walls. You were safe, but you were not free.

So I let you go. I took you back to where I found you--your home of moss and sticks and leaves and thunderstorms. I felt silly for being so sad, but I really liked you. And you are such a little guy...with one eye...and three and a half legs...in such a great big world. I hope you find some friends, and that nature is kind to you.

I'm sure you've already forgotten me, little friend, but I'm writing this letter so that I won't forget you. Live the life you were created to live--embracing your freedom even with all its risk.

Love,
The Tall One

P.S. Here are a few photos from our adventure together.

When we first found you in the woods.

Feasting on strawberries at my place.

Your good side.

The path home.

Happy Trails, Nemo.