Moments on Leland Pond (take 7-Lost Turtle)
Writing about peace, tranquility and nature! God’s gifts if we sit and listen.
Hi, I am Wendy author of Wendy’s Kitchen & More—this is the “More” where I snap a few photos of my heaven on earth. I am enjoying you so much, I thought you might find some enjoyment for my love of nature too. Moments on Leland Pond my Why
Welcome to my heaven on earth—take 7 “Lost Turtle”
Moments on Leland Pond is where I feel close to God, the wonder of all He has to offer.
Today’s a story about a turtle that appeared one day, lingered and left. There was something sad about this encounter. He and I watched each other, me on the dock, he nestled into the mucky pond, under foliage. Snappy is his name, as he’s a snapping turtle. Snappy lingered for 3 weeks—quietly, not bothering anyone, but aware of me when I would check-in on him.
For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Proverbs 2:10
I floated many stories in my head about Snappy; is he okay, will he hurt my dog? should I look to relocate him. Always questioning and asking Snappy, what brings you to our doorstep, my unique friend. Why are you staying in one-spot, eerily still, quiet and sad?
I shared this unique encounter with my friends and family; most thought he was dead, some said I should get rid of him, relocate him, others were just as curious as I was.
At first, I was afraid of him, but then, I just respected him, his place in our world. I reminded myself, this is not my pond. It’s God’s pond created for a purpose I might not know. The longer he lingered, the closer we became—I began to say hello, named him Snappy, chatted with him, hoped he was okay, not hurt. I researched his habitat, what might cause him to linger, how could I help him? what’s the meaning of his presence?
We have been on the pond for 19 years. This is the 3rd snapping turtle we have encountered. The first was last year, the 2nd this May across the pond, and the 3rd is Snappy. I compared pictures, it might be Snappy? Who knows. Why now I thought and where did you come from?
Early on, I couldn’t bring myself to write a story about Snappy. I felt I was invading his privacy. But then this week, the most wonderful thing happened he left. His role or purpose complete and it gave me a sense of relief, comfort that he found is way back home.
My story a brief but unique encounter together—maybe Snappy was curiosity about me, a human having a daily conversation with him. Each morning, I would eagerly check-in, skip to the dock, to see if he was still there, wonder if he’s okay, say hello and hope that he was well.
Our First Encounter
My furry baby and I were on our morning trip around the camp property, our first stop the dock that faces the eastern sun. It’s a morning favorite, he knows the trip by heart. We head to the dock, I hear this splash—to my left—it’s a large rustling in the water—I search for the source—looking for a Bullfrog or Carp, then I spot him—see the eyes looking right at me. I freak out a bit, pull my pup to my side and run to share the news with my husband. Drop off my furry baby, grab my iPhone, and try to snap a few pictures. Pictures are not great. You can see he is clearly aware of me; I must have startled him too.
Snappy Moves
We return the following weekend, I am eager to check-in on Snappy, it’s been a week. Secretly hoping he’s left. Snappy is still with us, I feel a little relieved as he picks up his head, notes it’s me (I read they have a good sense of smell), maybe he recognizes me. I leave him be—continue to research 🧐, learn Snappy could be between 50-100 years old. Snappy looks ancient, prehistoric like he and I could sit down by the campfire and listen to his many tales of yesterday’s gone bye.
We have company this week, I share Snappy, share our story, or really my curiosity—what the internet has told me, grin. Some believe the turtle symbolizes patience, wisdom and perseverance, because of their slow movement, sturdiness and long lifespans, many of our Christian values. I can see why, Snappy doesn’t move. Yet there is something uniquely different about him—the way he appears to look into your soul—he moves on his own time, at his own pace. Yet his eyes appear to have years of wisdom.
Snappy is Gone—August 5th
I went down to say goodbye for the week—I searched, didn’t see, could it be, truly be, that Snappy is gone? I was so thrilled believing my friend Snappy had found his way home.
Hope you enjoyed a few Moments on Leland Pond. My time to try and let go and let God handle all my cares.
God bless you and yours with lovingkindness.
Enjoy 😉💕!
Wendy
Great Story on Snappy and had the pleasure to see Snappy!
So enjoyed this. I have a pair of morehens that came near my deck twice a day for food. At first, I gave them food from my parrot that had died. When that ran out I bought floating wild bird food that doesn’t sink. The birds would eat, and then I could count at least three turtles. One was a snapper. The three of them would be the clean up crew. The morehens were so used to me if I was late going out they would come up on the deck and make noise. We had a tremendous rain over a month ago. The morehens must have gone to higher ground. Now whenever I go out and stand on the deck the turtles come looking for food. I call them the three amigos.