The Need for a Swamp Thing

This is an old post that I am finally getting around to publishing. The boys have grown up so much in the past couple of years. So much has happened.

Working with the boys this summer has been a particular joy. It is amazing to see them work through mud, thick brush, mosquito infested stream bottoms and woods that feel very jungle-like with humidity. I have seen them struggle with their emotions and attitudes and push on through to the other side. They return smiling. I have told them that every survey crew needs a ‘Swamp Thing’, or that one crew member that gets sucked into the muck, only to be barely extracted. This means that there will be a long ride home with soaked boots, smelling of mud and decaying vegetation. But, it also means that you did something that day. You met the challenges and pushed through. There is a need for this in every young man; the need to be pushed to a limit, to push up against something tough and unexpected. I very much appreciate being able to see them both do this and pull themselves, soaking and stinking, out of the muck. Smiling the whole time.