Sea Turtles

Sea turtles lay their eggs in a masterfully built "nest" along the beach. Afterward, they return to the ocean and the eggs are left to incubate on their own. Then they hatch. This is where you close your eyes if you're a mom watching this on National Geographic. Cute little baby turtles spring up from the sand nests and waddle with all of their might to the safety of the ocean. Hundreds of little babies running for all they're worth to the water . . . and then, a big ugly bird swoops down, or an alligator lying in the sea grass spies their delectable little shells, or sea monster sees them and gulp . . .they're gone.

Sara just turned 25. For her birthday, she decided to tempt fate and go skydiving. She asked her brother to go with her. She asked her cousin to go with her. She asked a friend to go with her. "No" was the only response she received. Then the little turtle said, "Then I will do it all by myself . . .but I won't tell my mother, because she is old and frail and feeble of mind. The stress of the very thought of me doing this dangerously stupid thing will be too much for her fragile nature and she will likely die." (I embellished that part a little bit.)

Momma found out!

For two days, I fretted. For one sleepness night, I pondered. Then, I made the offer. "I will go with you OR I will give you a tangible gift." Sara's response, her joy and her smile were worth the trauma that followed. There was no thrill seeking for me. I am simply not a sea turtle. I couldn't let the bird swoop, the alligator lunge, or the sea monster gulp. I am a mother.

Happy Birthday, Sara. Thank you for letting your feeble, frail, old mum take part in your adventure. Now, don't ever do that again!

(photo cd showing absolute joy and elation of falling from 15,000 ft at 120mph has not yet been received. please stay tuned)