My head is still reeling, and it’s not from a New Year’s Eve party. 2018 was a year of extreme ups and downs, and frankly I’m relieved that it’s over.
I’m not a big believer in making resolutions; every time I make an effort to lose weight, for example, I end up gaining it all back and then some. So I’ve learned to be happy with who I am.
As this new year begins, though, I do have some thoughts to share:
ON DEALING
WITH LOSS
In April, my mom passed after a valiant 15-year battle with cancer. My brother and I spent nearly a month in Virginia – first spending time with Mom, then grieving with Dad, then finally helping him clear out closets and cabinets while choosing mementos to bring home with us. We all became closer as a family during that month as we nursed the newly opened hole in our hearts.
In the weeks that followed, Jeff and I placed those recovered treasures around our own homes: furniture, artworks, books, even certain kitchen utensils. Seeing and using those items sparks warm memories, and that alone has helped me immeasurably.
And, as I promised I would in a January 2018 column dedicated to Mom, I still talk with her every day — just as she did with her own mother for decades after she passed. Even when I’m not home surrounded by those mementos, something will happen or someone will say something that reminds me of her each and every day.
And it invariably makes me smile.
This past year, I’ve learned that we never actually lose our mothers. They’re so much a part of us that we could never truly be without them … which is both extremely comforting and a little unnerving.
THE PURSUIT
OF HAPPINESS
After an exhausting ordeal last spring/summer, I finally was able to move into the house of my dreams. It only took five months, four formal offers, three mortgage brokers, two temporary addresses and one eminently patient real estate agent to get it done!
I have since had the giant Poltergeist tree taken down; had a fence built around the backyard; put up two mailboxes (yes, I finally caved); and, thanks to my brother, got a young filbert tree and some lavender planted. All that’s left is to get my firepit set up.
So, after the rainy season, I might just get around to hosting a party. That is, if I can manage to keep the floors and shelves and pretty much everything else indoors from being buried under dog and cat fur until then.
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
After 15 years in Scouting, I finally took the leap last spring and attended Wood Badge — the highest level of training offered to adult leaders by Scouts BSA. This particular session spanned two weekends at Camp Thunderbird, near Shelton.
I learned quite a lot and made a bunch of new friends, but I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t even started on my “ticket.” That’s the second phase of Wood Badge, in which I’m supposed to complete five goals (set by me) within 18 months of my initial training.
That time is about half gone now and I have nothing to show for it. I could make all kinds of excuses, but the basic truth is that I’m a chronic procrastinator.
It’s all on me.
So, if there’s any resolution for me to make for 2019, it’s to complete my ticket and become a full-fledged Bobwhite.
Not because I ought to, but because I want to. Because it’s important to me.
I hope you attain your most meaningful resolutions this coming year with the same thought in mind.
Kat Bryant is lifestyle editor of The Daily World and editor of Washington Coast Magazine. And no, Bobwhites do NOT taste like chicken! Reach her at kbryant@
thedailyworld.com or on Facebook at Kat Bryant-DailyWorld.
