In anticipation I watched the eggs for days. Until finally one leathery shell cracked and announced the birth of Myrtle. At first I thought there was something wrong with the turtle as I saw the yoke attached to her. After a few phone calls, I found out that this happens when they are born premature. The yoke went into her stomach. This was baby Myrtle's food until she was strong enough. Just natures way of nurturing her. I read somewhere that there is no parental care of the young by any species of turtle.

I waited for the other eggs to hatch and bring forth more baby turtles. To my disappointment that never happened. Even after so much care only one egg hatched. Now it was up to me to help her survive.

I worked diligently at staying informed on the care of turtles by keeping in contact with the nature center and getting some books on turtles.

Myrtle grew, as I grew to love her. Everyone that came to visit was introduced to Myrtle and all my friends tolerated my daily reports on my pet progress.