The Turtley-Awesomest thing I say today.

Yesterday was a gorgeous sunny day and it was also the 21st Annual Turtle Derby at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital. This is a joyful fundraiser held right on the hospital grounds. Pediatric patients, staff and friends gather to watch little turtles race in heat after heat to see who will be the fastest turtle of them all. The little turtles are sponsored by donations and the grand prize is pride!

Though it sounds like a day at the track, the event is aimed at celebration and fun for the children. Music, beads, clowns and balloons are all over the place. There is ice cream and prizes. Kids who cannot be outside get to watch it all on tv with special visitors and their own treats. Kids who can be outside get to party ‘til the turtles need to go home.

Of course all the kids are darling and some are clearly being treated for some illness. Your heart just goes out to them and as a grown up you well up with awe for their bravery! Can you imagine being so young and facing serious health struggles?

One darling girl was dancing about like it was 1999. (Does that line mean anything anymore?) She was full of joy and moving to the music. She had on some movie star sunglasses and was waving about some long, thick, curly movie star hair.

Though that hair did not belong to her naturally, she looked gorgeous. I fought the urge to go up to her, tell her that she looked fierce and then dance about with her for a bit. I decided to just let her mingle with the music.

“You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
Oooo see that girl, watch that scene, diggin’ the Dancing Queen”
-ABBA