The Hermit Crab

As a child, one of my favorite things to do was to search for hermit crabs. For those of you who don't know, hermit crabs are tiny crabs who borrow the discarded shells of other crustaceans. Once they have grown too large for a shell they leave it behind, and search for a new place to live. When I was little, there was no creature that fascinated me more.

There is a tide pool in front of our beach house that is teaming with hermit crabs. You can take your pick from hundreds of different sizes and shapes. I used to carry a bucket down to the tide pool to collect pets for the day. After creating an underwater oasis for them with sand, rocks and shells, I would watch them scurry around, then let them back into the rough water they loved. Today I was struck with the genius idea of introducing my children to the joy of hermit crabs.

I climbed down to the familiar spot, and selected one I thought Tes would think was pretty. I then carried it over to the kids and announced that I had a surprise. Tessie had her kick board with her in the water, and I placed the hermit crab on it. The kids held still, as I advised, and watched the little shell. Then, just as they were loosing interest, the shell quivered, and two pincers poked out. Soon the entire front of the crab followed, and it began to scurry away.

I was a little worried that Tes might balk, or even get scared. Instead I was very happily surprised, when she asked to hold it. She giggled as it tickled her palm, and looked up at me with absolute joy. It was like looking at myself, twenty seven years ago. Who knew something as small as a hermit crab, could inspire such beauty.