I Brake for Turtles

Whenever I drive a back road to enjoy the countryside, I see a box turtle or snapping turtle crossing the road. I brake and stop my car. I wait patiently if there is no traffic so the turtle can cross to the other side.

If the road is busy, I put the flashers on and pick up the shell, taking it in the direction it is heading. I’ve been told that turtles know where the water is and instinctively head that direction.

The last two years have brought unexpected and unacceptable health challenges that have caused me to pause; I don’t get sick. It’s not in my schedule.

Our parents told my generation to push through pain, push through hard times. Push through sickness to work, get ‘er dun, no excuses, and we did. For the most part, this hard-core philosophy has served us well until now, in our old age. My body has brought challenges.

It’s ok to cuss and scream, to even curse at my body. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s move on to more productive actions. It’s taken a while, but I am heading towards acceptance with knee braces, a walker, or a cane for a couple of months. I am thinking of getting mental health therapy to help me cope with the changing lifestyle needs. The forecast is good, considering the life changes I must make.

The medical professionals I have encountered are patient, educated, and compassionate individuals from a younger generation, which speaks volumes about the potential for better healthcare in the future. The personal touch and genuine caring are evident and appreciated.

I brake for turtles; it is time to brake from my fast life so I can heal.  I love my life, I love you.

“Everything happens for you, not to you; you don’t have to like it, it's just easier if you do.”

 Byron Katie Mitchell ~ thework.com