A special thanks goes to Ethel Uzlha for her delightful contribution of Poetry to this book.

This is the story of Myrtle the Turtle and Ruth Shuffett, as written by Amparo Nichols.

As the writer of this little tale, I must add that I have learned a lot about turtles from Ruth. She has a beautiful perspective of nature and God's little creatures. This world would surely be a better place with more people like her.

One sunny June day, I started on my daily walk. Not knowing what a wonderful surprise was in store for me. I looked at the Michigan landscape and marveled at the beautiful plush green grass. The leaves on the trees danced softly with the cool breeze.

It was then that I saw a large snapping turtle hovering over a hole in the ground. On further examination I realized that this was the turtles nest. She was laying her eggs. I dashed to my car to get my camera. This would make a gem of a picture.

I kept my distance to insure that natures course would not be interrupted. I watched Mother turtle as she covered her eggs in the protection of the earth. Then slowly she moved away... traveling into the woods. She disappeared leaving her nest behind. I had read that this was the life habit of all turtle. Now I was experiencing it firsthand. I took one last look at Mother turtles handy work and left the park to head for home. The rest of the day was filled with thoughts of what I had seen and marveled at life's little miracles. I shared my adventures with my husband and my family and friends.

I anxiously awaited for the next day to come, so I could check on the turtle hatchery. I found disaster. Apparently some animal had dug into the nest destroying the haven Mother turtle had prepared for her eggs. I was so upset. I carefully surveyed what was left of the nest. Amid all the destruction I managed to rescue six eggs.

I took the eggs gently cradling them in the palm of my hands. As if led by some motherly instinct. I knew what to do. I went home to make a nest for the eggs. I dug a hole making a nest similar to the one mother turtle had made. The days that followed were kept in vigil to insure that no predator would bring them harm.