I feel old.

My older niece turned 16 today. 

I have one sibling – a sister, 8 years older than me, whom I love so much it could be construed as worship.  She’s not perfect, don’t get me wrong, but I adore her.  She has a lovely husband and two daughters.

As I’ve gotten older, my beloved older sister’s life path has served as a basis of comparison.  I never measure up.

 

My older niece was born the summer after I graduated from high school.  16 years ago. 

While I’m thrilled for her, and all the promise that life holds as a 16 year old – well, when teenage angst doesn’t get in the way – I wonder what she’ll be like in 5 years.  10 years.  How college will go.  If and when she’ll get married.  General future-type things.

And then I think about her younger sister, and hope that she doesn’t live a life of comparison.