My Boy Sid

Everyone loves to root for an underdog. Universally, they inspire hope and allow even the most cynical amongst us to believe that miracles do exist. Even if for only a brief moment in time, they serve to reestablish the unseen balance between good and evil. Between right and wrong; fair and unfair.

Well this is the story about an extraordinary bearded dragon named Sid. Facing great adversity even before birth, saying he’s had a “rough go of things” would be an understatement. Exhausted after a tedious labor, his mum-to-be Freya rested after pushing out 24 rather large eggs. Suddenly as if hit with a second wind, she unexpectedly sprang into action and began to bury them wildly. Removing her as quickly and safely as possible, I discovered she had accidentally crushed a few with her inexperienced, overzealous techniques. Inspecting her lay box, I found three of the stomped eggs were completely obliterated. (She’s a strong independent woman after-all). However, one seemed salvageable. Although damaged and small, I nestled it amongst the other healthy specimens to be incubated. A week or two went by. Showcasing no mold or discoloration indicative of termination, the embryo appeared to have a fighting chance. At the halfway mark about a month in however, this positive outlook began to waiver. His egg remained dented and wasn’t growing with the others. Having very little hope of its viability at this point, I considered the idea of tossing it out. Forever the optimist, I ultimately decided to keep it despite the bleak outlook, “just in case”.

During the first week of January, his 19 siblings were born on schedule. Hatching one-after-the other in a domino effect customary to the species, I conceded to the idea that the last egg was not going to hatch after some time went by. Returning to the incubator a few days later, my intention had been to switch it off and give it a good deep cleaning, as I do after every clutch. Much to my surprise, I was met by this little fella just as he freed himself from his shell. The excitement from his birth quickly gave way to the sad realization that he was severely deformed. The left side of his face was almost completely flat and it seemed to impede his breathing. Barely able to hold himself up, he stared up at me meekly. I worried that after all he had been through, he might not make it. Unwilling to give up on him that easily, I monitored the situation closely; staying up with him all through the night, providing whatever comfort and TLC I could. It payed off, as he quickly stabilized and even began to catch up to his siblings.

But Sid did not stop there. Once the sickly, often bullied runt; this resilient beardie quickly transformed into the alpha of the group. He refused to sleep anywhere but on the coveted top leaf of the highest hanging plant where all the dragons slumbered. If ever there was a pig pile you better believe Sid-with his larger than life personality, and smaller than everyone else body, was at the tippity-top of it. Upon getting knocked off this prestigious spot as he and others often did, he would simply climb back up to reclaim his throne. I don’t know if excuses exist in the reptile world, but if they do he was having none of it. Surviving against all odds, this special dragon overcame every obstacle put in his way. He fought for every ounce of heat and UV ray he got, until it was known amongst his peers that he was king.

Marie Curie once said, “life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” I strongly agree with this notion however, I’m like anyone else. I have days where I feel like a complete failure. Days where I feel so dejected that I convince myself that everything I do is bad, stupid, or the wrong choice. It’s on those days, I think of Sid’s story. He not only persevered despite the awful hand he was dealt, but thrived in spite of it. I truly believe this is something we all are capable of doing. I also know how easy it is to get down on yourself, especially in today’s society. But just remember, if you let it, your own negativity and self doubt will chip away at your motivation, and your drive. You will lose sight of your ambitions and your dreams, and you will give up. Sid doesn’t want you to give up. He is rooting for you. His story reaffirms you only need one person to believe in you, and with that you can accomplish anything.