My 2 year old saves a life, and teaches dad in the process

We were splashing about in the pool.  My son is not quite swimming yet, so we have to watch him carefully,  The pool we were using at our club is outside, and there are a number of coconut palms around.  One game we with the kids is fetching baby coconuts as a diving game. My daughter is quite a good diver, my son meanwhile hunts for fallen coconuts to use for the game.

"Daddy, Tete is in the pool".  Probably just a coconut I think, but I investigate.  It is a baby gopher tortoise just barely a week old.  It looked a lot like a little tiny coconut, but it was a little baby turtle struggling, barely alive, trying to keep his little head above the water.  He spotted that little guy all the way across the pool.

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Gopher turtles are abandoned by their mother at birth.  They have to fend off all types of predators trying to eat them, even their own mother would crush them if the babies stuck around.  This is a land tortoise that can not survive water conditions for extended periods.  Raccoons, birds, cats are all on the hunt for these tiny tidbits.  The little guy has really no friends out there.  Today, he had my son.

My son saved that Little turtle's life.  My mother in law happens to be a certified turtle relocation specialist, so luckily we had help to flush the "tete's" eyes, and after a few days of rest we released him to the wild.  He will have to fend for himself, but concrete swimming pools are an unnatural hazard.

What I learned from my son.

1. I think that his ability to see that little turtle was impressive ( it was across the 25 Foot pool)- Attention to detail, searching out opportunity's to help someone in need.
2. Even when everyone is out to eat you there are people willing to help- Compassion for our neighbors, and customers.

That little turtle is a lot like a homeowner that is "under water", facing a potential foreclosure.  He saved his life, we as Realtors are saving lives too.  Maybe not literally, but I know that my efforts have a impact beyond a pay check.  I guess it is a type of social work that we engage in with our customers. By helping sellers in distress we are helping save marriages, reducing stress, and giving hope when all can seem hopeless.  Also, a successful short sale helps neighbors by preventing another foreclosure that will typically be neglected, and bring down property values.  Our effort is important, and even when we are not appreciated our effects are helping our neighbors, friends, clients, and sometimes even a little baby turtle.