From first dates to “I do’s” Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) has had the honor of sharing very special moments with you over the years. You’ve made us a part of proposals, honeymoons, anniversaries and surprise trips. Because of you, we’ve become more than a sea turtle hospital, but a treasured memory. In the spirit of love, we wanted to share a few heartwarming stories.
Bob and Barb. On Wednesday afternoon February 10th, 2016, Barbara was volunteering in our Outdoor Sea Turtle Hospital. Bob was visiting LMC due to his interest in sea turtle wound care. Noticing Bob viewing a patient, Barb asked him if he had any questions she could answer. Bob reciprocated with a smile, which resulted in an hour-long conversation. A year later, Bob and Barb tied the knot and have since volunteered together on Wednesday afternoons. Next week, they will celebrate four years since they met at the Center. If you see Bob & Barb at our Center, please say hello.
Ashley and Michael. In 2015, Michael began volunteering in LMC’s rehabilitation department and met our Veterinary Technician, Ashley. Three years later, Michael proposed to Ashley with a sea turtle engagement ring, given that sea turtles brought them together. Michael volunteers each Saturday and assists Ashley with turtle strandings and daily patient treatments. Next month, they will celebrate their wedding and will continue doing what they love – dedicating their time caring for sea turtles.
Caitlin and Bobby. Caitlin, an ocean conservationist with a passion for numbers, went to FAU in South Florida for accounting. She began visiting LMC in 2007 due to her love of diving, the water and a special first date with her now-husband, Bobby. Their first few dates at the Center has held a fond place in their hearts over the years. Caitlin especially fell in love with LMC and our mission from the get-go.
After attending her first turtle release in 2009, she knew she wanted to work at the Center someday. That same year, Caitlin and Bobby got engaged and decided to select LMC as their wedding venue. Fast forward to 2015, Caitlin applied to work at the Center in the finance department as the Chief Financial Officer. Each day she is reminded of her love for the ocean and her memorable day with Bobby.
Stephen. Our volunteer, Stephan, shared a couple’s special story with us, although we were unable to contact the duo for more details. After their recent engagement, the Russian couple decided to take a trip to celebrate their love. Knowing her soon-to-be husband and his love for sea turtles, this fiancée researched sea turtle conservation centers around the world. After discovering LMC, she planned a trip to South Florida. During their visit, she purchased a sea turtle-inspired gift from our gift store and presented it to her fiancée at the Center. Stephen had the pleasure of meeting this couple and learning about their extraordinary story.
Nancy. In 2013, Nancy found love for turtles during a stay-cation at a local hotel in Jupiter. A plush toy turtle on the hotel bed led her to our Center in Juno Beach. After witnessing a female sea turtle lay her eggs one early morning, she became a volunteer at LMC. Ever since, Nancy has been a volunteer and docent at LMC four months of the year. So far, she has accumulated more than 600 volunteer hours and has informed guests from all over the world about sea turtles.
If you have a unique #LMCLoveStory to share, please submit it to Amanda at [email protected]. LMC plans to collect stories throughout the year and share them next Valentine’s Day.