Retirement arrives sooner than expected -- accompanied by wonderful memories

I knew this day would come … someday. Of course, I always believed that "someday" was way down the road. But I traveled steadfast down the road, and over years of ups and downs, and through times of focus, failure, nonchalance and pride, I have finally come upon a sign that reads, "Exit." Sure, there is plenty of road ahead, but between my internal navigation and fuel gauge, I find my hands gently, confidently, comfortably turning the wheel and heading down the ramp. I remember so clearly interviewing for a position as a Seasonal Naturalist. It took place in a former upstairs bedroom of a large house on Second Street in Elyria. This was the odd location of the headquarters of the Lorain County Metro Parks, and the place where my cherished career started. I can say with confidence that I didn't "ace" the interview, but the fact that I was the only available candidate became clear and, truth be told, it became the sole reason I was hired. On Day 1, it became grossly obvious that I knew very little about nature. I slogged through the day, all the while wondering if I should even show up to work the next day. I did show up the next day. And I did set forth to learn nature. And it was the easiest difficult thing I ever did. For certain, my competitive spirit kicked in, kind of a contest to see who knew the most about this or that. But mostly, I found that being a Naturalist, or as they were called in the day, Environmental Interpreter, aligned almost perfectly with all of my interests and talents. As a Naturalist, I got to talk ... and I got to talk a lot. And not just to those who scheduled a program, but to just about anyone, and at any time. I found the perfect balance that made a great Naturalist by being both a dedicated student and a compassionate — and practical — teacher. When I learned something new, I couldn't wait to tell others. And in that, I found that being a Naturalist allowed me to showcase my personality. I used humor as a teaching tool and partnered it with analogies and metaphors. I found that I had a knack for figuring out not only what my audience needed, but how to best convey content to them. (I was, and still am, a second-grader at heart!) I came into the field knowing a bit about bugs and trees, not the most exciting and inspiring topics. I worked first on two other areas, learning wildflowers and avoiding learning birds. Yep, Gary the birder initially disliked birds. Moreover, I thought that birdwatchers were ... let's just say, odd. Yet by my second year I was consumptively learning birds 24/7. Another year later, I became known for my bird expertise. I found early on that besides nature knowledge, Naturalists needed to communicate content by means other than just talking. The Metro Parks bravely allowed me to try writing. I think it worked. I also challenged myself to use music as a presentation vector. There probably isn't a measure that can convey just how bad I was at first. But somehow I found my footing, and eventually my musical education programs became more popular than my bird programs. And when you can accurately imitate most every local bird's calls, that's pretty surprising. Within nine years, I became the Naturalist Supervisor — a title I hated. In this position, I was the leader of an awesomely talented group of Naturalists. I said it then, and I still believe it, that if we were to have participated in a Nature Knowledge Olympics, we would have easily won the gold medal. And we did win awards. Conservatively, the LCMP Naturalist staff brought home at least 25 Ohio Parks & Recreation first-place awards during the 1990s and early 2000s. (My personal favorite was when I won the state Marketing Award. I mean, I was just a Naturalist going up against the professional marketing departments of dozens of parks!) Further, all of the full-time Naturalists I hired became managers. It was an honor and true pleasure to be associated with such a team. I always dreamed of a second career, one beyond the LCMP and being a Naturalist. In 2011, what appeared to be a dream job came upon me quickly. Somehow managed my way through the gauntlet of submissions and interviews and became Avon Lake's recreation director. I would love to tell you how great this position was, but in a thousand tiny ways it became apparent that it wasn't a good fit. I was able to move onto the marketing director position at the soon-to-open Cabela's. I figured my OPRA Marketing award, and my knowledge of the local "outdoors" community, played a major part in my obtaining this job. Much to my surprise, I found that the drawings I did to explain my ideas and philosophy during the actual interview were the real reason. (Yes, I can draw, too!) I guess I should have been leery right off the bat. Again, this position didn't fit, and when the Bass Pro takeover was completed, they eliminated my job. Substitute teaching held me over until ODNR's Parks & Watercraft Division decided to take a chance on me and hired me as the manager of Geneva State Park. Within months, I was additionally assigned to manage Headlands Beach. I was so grateful to be back in a "parks" position. Slowly, but surely, I adapted and succeeded. I still can't believe that I got to manage two parks on Lake Erie. Wow! But I knew it wouldn't last forever, and after six years … Today, I go to work, per usual. Later this afternoon, I will go home, one last time. And with my car filled with personal belongings, and my head filled with well wishes and great memories, I will ... somehow ... find the route that leads home. And when I get home I know that I will hear a bird, or see a bug, or feel the moist wind just before a rain shower. At that moment I will find myself in a comfortable and familiar situation, a situation where I need to share it with someone, anyone, everyone. Contact Gary Gerrone at garysgerrone@gmail.com.