I saved the life of a turtle the other day. I was going fifty-five down Indiantown Road, and happened to see it in my lane. Luckily, the traffic wasn’t very thick, so I was able to slam on the brakes and swerve to the side. I popped open my door and saw him right next to my car, slowly extending one leg as he continued his trek. I jumped out of the car and snatched him up.  As I walked him to the marsh at the side of the road, a man approached, having parked his truck nearby. It seemed we were both trying to save the same turtle. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who brakes for turtles.

Once, I was like that turtle, making my way through danger, too occupied with the trip to realize I was about to get hit. I’ve made a few good friends over the past few years, and they’re wonderful people. But every now and then, one makes a friend who, it turns out, has their own agenda, their own motive for friendship. Every now and then, you realize who your true friends are– and you feel blessed.

I know what this alligator is capable of. It acts by instinct, according to nature. Humans … a little bit harder to figure out.

I let down my barriers too quickly, thought I made a friend, and realized I hadn’t. Sad, angry– finished. And like any good little turtle, I move on, taking care to step back into the marsh, away from the danger of the thoroughfare.

Open up to people, but find a balance. Don’t expect danger or disappointment, but take care you notice it when it’s coming. If something isn’t right, your heart will tell you. Just remember not to tune it out.

And always brake for turtles.