*Well technically it is a tortoise who inspired this blog, but since all tortoise’s classify as turtles and they are the critters where the expressions about “sticking out your neck” come from let’s talk turtle during this panicdemic of COVID-19.
I first encountered “Ms. Boxy,” who is probably an eastern box turtle on my morning bike ride on April 25, 2020. She slowly sauntered her way over the painted line. 
Since she was heading towards the woods, I bid her farewell and continued to ride. I looked for her on my way back, but she was no where to be found. I assumed she was safely in camouflaged habitat.
Well yesterday as I pedaled down the road, I saw that mass on the road that usually indicates road kill to dodge, but as I approached closer I saw it was still moving. Arriving exactly to the spot I noticed it was Ms. Boxy! She was in the street AGAIN? What a foolish turtle.
I immediately stopped as there was not way she would make it to the other side of the road safely without getting hit again. I hustled over to pick her up while making sure I didn’t add myself to the list of road kill. I found open an open area far enough from the road to place her back down.
I noticed that she kept her head inside. She even started to walk without pushing her head out to see where she was going! It was like watching a drunk person try to walk the straight line. Since it was obvious she was going to just walk in circles and possibly back into the street, I picked her up again and found a shaded area at the front of woods. I made note of where I left her and committed to check her well being upon my ride back.
When I returned she had moved approximately 6 inches and was accompanied by a variety of insects who swarmed her blood soaked head. It appeared that her demise was imminent, but we could only try to nurse her back to health.
I came back with my daughter and a box. Having cared for a male eastern box turtle in my classroom 12+ years ago under the guidance of the local county nature center, I figured we could provide some assistance. What transpired was several hours of watching life fight.
It was amazing to see the blood clot, her appearances improve, and to observe her feisty insistence to be let free. We gave her what she wanted, but just a lot further from the road her freedom not too far from where I found her.
Ms. Boxy reminds me of a lot of people’s mind sets during this “panicdemic” of COVID-19. Just pull your head in to your comfortable secure shell and don’t look for any inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or ask any thoughtful questions. Just do as your told, collect your paycheck, eat, drink, and be merry.
This certainly is each person’s prerogative to choose. But keep in mind that in such attitude you might resemble a drunk person trying to walk the straight line. You may also fail to secure the truth needed to proceed in the best interest for you and your loved ones. Inherent in life is risk. There have never been guarantees except the horrible ramifications of tyranny, taxes, and death.
Jesus said it best in Matthew 16:24-27. Whoever clings to his/her life in self preservation will ultimately lose it. Whoever is willing to risk his/her life in order to seek, follow, and defend truth will actually gain it. Which will you choose?
#Truth #Fear #Risk #COVID19 #Panicdemic