January 2018 YHH Mag

In the earlyish years of my growing up, when I was young and foolish,
New Years was defined by parties and champagne and boyfriends’ kisses
at midnight. Expectations were high. It was romance and celebration all
rolled into one special night, and tied with a sparkly ribbon. I didn’t have
much time for reflection. I was too busy feeling good.
Now, decades later, when I’ve grown up a bit more, it seems that all I can
do is reflect. But it makes sense because there’s a lot more to reflect on.
After all, so much has happened since those fanciful New Year’s Eve celebrations.
I got married. Had a child. Raised a child. Made friends. Lost
friends. Lost family. Got sick. Got well. Good times. Bad times. If you say
it quickly it doesn’t seem like much. But it was. Almost a lifetime. And it
makes me think. A lot.
I think a lot about the past. I think about how beautiful the weather was on
the day I got married. Seventy degrees in October, with a backdrop of gorgeous
autumn colors. I
think about my child’s
struggle with the multiplication
tables and
how we bounced a basketball
back and forth
in his effort to memorize
them (something
about learning in motion
as I recall). I think
about his pizza delivery
business at age 7 and
how that (and his other
multitude of kid businesses)
laid the foundation for his success today. I think about the years I
was ill and scared and pretty cranky and miserable and how my husband
just walked through the fire with me, no complaints, just support.
And I think about the future. I think about my hopes for my son and his
wife and my (fingers crossed) future grandchildren. I think about traveling
with my husband to far away places since we are notorious for never taking
vacations anywhere of any sort. I think about my friends who have been by
my side through thick and thin and hope they will continue to honor me
with their friendship forever. And I hope that those who aren’t as lucky as I
am find better times, good health and warm companionship this year.
I think a lot about what I’m grateful for. The list is long. Funny how that
happens. And I think that might mean I’m almost grown up. I’m grateful
for the love of my family and friends and their good health and good values;
I’m grateful for my warm house and food on the table (even if it’s takeout
sometimes); I’m grateful for my good fortune to live in a country where
I can speak my mind and be secure in my beliefs. And I’m grateful for my
dog. Sometimes. When she’s good.
It’s clear, at least to me, that growing
up takes a lifetime. As the New Year
arrives, I’m pretty happy with being
almost grown up. I’m still growing,
for sure, but I’m getting there. We’ll
see what growth spurts the new year
brings.
Jane
Jane Makransky is the Creative Director/Editor of Your Handmade Home Magazine. She is
also the Owner/Designer of Mack and Jane Jewelry, a former fashion commentator, and retired
attorney.