Deference to Max

Today has over the last decade become the day that I celebrate my long-time pet Max’s birthday.  I don’t know why, because I know that I bought him sometime close to my First Communion in late April / early May, but alas, I celebrate it on this day.  Since I was a tiny little boy, I have been fascinated by the Earth’s natural world.  I remember being in absolute awe when I would go to places such as the zoo, or to the Aquarium.  I’m pretty sure that the majority of my birthday celebrations were requested to be accompanied by a trip to the Aquarium, or the Ecotarium in Worcester.

Though I was always obsessed with animals, for some reason turtles became the most fascinating to me.  I was always enthralled by their anatomical characteristics, which evolution had so strangely molded in a completely different manner than anything else that I had experienced, or could grasp.  I remember summers in Maine where the elusive sighting or catching of (what was seemingly in my youth) the human body weight-equivalent Common Snapping Turtle.  I was amazed by their size and ability to be so large yet so elusive.  Year in and year out, the sightings always excited me more than anything else which I can recall from childhood.

I attained the idea that I could come to observe a turtle whenever I please if I were to have my own as a pet.  I remember my Aunt provided me with a glass tank that would become his home, and was unendingly thankful for it.  I next was able to use the funds from which I gained through my First Communion gifts to visit a local pet store (Tropical Isle, to be exact) to pick my new friend.  I spent a good amount of time contemplating which turtle I wanted, and finally made the decision (to which I am sure my parents were less than thrilled about, as I am sure they were aware of the potential life span of a turtle that was well maintained).  When I got him back to the house, put him in his new abode, and I watched him until I slept that night.

Max and I have since shared more experiences than any other aquatic turtle and an owner, I’m sure.  He was a mutant animal that terrorized my G.I. Joes, and the challenger of the Undertaker in a wrestling match. He’s been the star of a few photo shoots.  He has travelled from my parents’ back yard in Massachusetts to the woods of Maine, and now over 3,000 miles to Southern California as a carry-on baggage item, courtesy of Virgin Airlines.  He has met every single one of my friends and family members.  He has seen me at my best, and seen me at my worst.  He watched me graduate High School and College.  He saw my first dates, and my latest’s.  He was there through funerals and weddings.  The best part about having a pet such as a turtle is to be able to witness something which most people will never understand.  There is a mutual connection and understanding between the two of us that goes beyond spoken words.  He doesn’t judge me for what I choose to do or not do.  He doesn’t care what I wear, or what mistakes I make.  He doesn’t try to tell me what I should do with my life, or voice his opinions when I feel like sharing mine.

 There’s obviously a distinct possibility that this turtle doesn’t even recognize me on a day to day basis.  That being said, there’s also the possibility that he knows what he has done for me over the last 18 years of my life, and why should anyone strip him of that respect?  Sometimes the best thing a pet like Max can do for a person is fuel a sense of guidance, comfort, motivation, inspiration, or passion which cannot be obtained through other people.  Regardless of what has happened to me each day over the last 18 years, Max has been there.  That simple fact alone is reassuring for me every day, and he is able to remind me that no matter what happens, the simple fact of being here is a gift and is enough.  Here’s to you, Max.  The least I can do for you is praise you via my blog, and buy you some juicy worms for your birthday dinner.

Cheers, my old friend!
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