Grit

By Kendall Buckingham, Rochester Pines Field Crew Member / AmeriCorps Member

I would like to say something about grit. That raw, undeniable push to see something through despite the setbacks, challenges and failures. In this uncertain time we’re living in, it’s easy to forget all the little things that make it worth it to keep fighting. Today was one of those days when I wanted to forget all about it. But instead, I’m sitting in wet grass lapping at my already damp self-waiting for something I knew would never come. But what led to this? Today we were surveying bats at Forestville. We got to come into work later, as we would be staying late to catch the bats right as they left the roost.  In order to pass some time, we ended up cutting a brush saw line that we would be putting in on a later date.  Which came with its own setbacks: a dull blade, lost personals, and overall confusion as to where the line was even going. But like all projects, it came and went. On our way back to the trucks, we got caught in a downpour. It was so fun in that moment rushing back to the trucks on our mule. Until the chill set in. We waited for a while in the trucks while the storm passed. Little did we know that was a small taste of what was to come. We eventually left the trucks to pack up and head out to Forestville. On our way, we got caught in storm after storm. After some seriously heavy rain figured to would be best to pull over at a gas station to check in with our project host to see if the bat survey was still on.  I was sitting in the back of the truck, still soaked, eating a cold calzone. I was secretly hoping it would get called off. I was dreaming of a hot shower and a warm bed. Nevertheless, the project went on.

It was so hard thinking about getting out of the truck and standing in the cool of the evening air. As I was only marginally drier than earlier. The whole way to the bat boxes I was thinking that If I was a bat I wouldn’t leave my nice dry warm house. There was no way we would see anything. I sat down in the still wet grass and waited. As the pink and purple skies faded, so did the swallows that had been doing figure eights above my head. Then suddenly, a bat fell out of one of the boxes, then another, and then they were everywhere.  Dipping out of the boxes and soaring into the sky and falling back down again. Then it didn’t seem so bad. A bittersweet feeling came over me and I thought about how chaotically alive we all are. I’m so glad to have met all these incredible people, but I know that I won’t always get to work with them. Some, I might not even see again. But how lucky am I to have been there in all those little moments that have made this year so special. I’m still learning how to cope with the uncomfortability of “type two” fun. I’m sure that there are many that can relate to that. But always remember what makes this occupation worth it, whatever that is for you.

I would like to shout out to my crew, Rochester Pines, and a special thank you to Duncan, our fearless leader and I would also like to thank Tayt the best field specialist anyone could ask for.  An extra special thank you to Shawn, our incredible project host. I wish everyone could have a project host like you.