When I Grow Up

At work I'm one of the "older" ones on the team. Granted I work in a very young industry, but wow, I'm already that person. When I was at my first job, I remember looking up to my now friend, then co-worker MLE who was 27 years old. I thought to myself "Wow I hope to be just like her when I grow up." In many ways I succeeded the dream but it's weird to think I'm in that position now. Well I could only hope the younglings see an aspirational quality in me, but I wouldn't be offended if they didn't. Ha.
MLE is now happily married and with newborn. Reading one of MLE's favorite quotes puts it in larger, more honest perspective for me:

“The definition of success: To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one's self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--this is to have succeeded.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson