And We are So Young Now

Two weeks ago, I was standing at the bus stop waiting for the L8. It was 6 p.m., a Sunday. I saw a group of kids from Corvallis, Oregon. I know they were from Corvallis, because they were wearing sweatshirts from their middle/high school that bore this name. They had three teachers as chaperons. They couldn’t have been older than 14 years old.

When I see kids that age, I can fully recognize that I am significantly older. That I am, in fact an adult. Yes, with a pronounced “a.” I have the pay stubs to prove it.

But as I glanced at them, I suddenly realized– they aren’t just younger than me. They’re younger than my baby sister! My sister who celebrates her 17th birthday this Friday, the 28th! Talk about how time flies– when did she get to be so old? I remember when I was 17! (Glad that’s over).

My sister and I have had a choppy relationship for most of her 17 years. Most of it was my fault. I was distant, cold, even mean. I can’t fully explain why. Part of it was probably me being wrapped up in my fears, insecurities and other thoughts.

I’m at a stage now, though, where I am much, much happier. And as a result, I’m nicer to her than I’ve probably ever been.

S will be here in mid-April, visiting for six weeks. A chance for us to reconnect, and for her to know that I’ve got her back.

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Addendum: the title for this post is a song lyric by one of S’s favorite bands.