Happy birthday little sister

Forty-one years ago on this date my sister was born.  Vicki Lynn Vogt was born about 2 months premature.  By today's standards, she would have had an excellent chance.  However, this was not the case in 1971, and Vicki passed away the next day.

I was four at the time.  I never met my sister, nor have I seen a picture of her. But on a few occasions, I have seen her in my dreams.  We've never spoken in those dreams, but I know that it's her.  

I will be brief (for me that is) and say that it is hard to explain or understand how I can feel the amount of grief that I still sometimes do when thinking about her and what I "missed out" on by her absence from my life.  But when I think about the dreams and the non-verbal exchanges we have had, I am always comforted by my sense of her happiness.

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. - 1Thessalonians 4: 13,14 

Happy birthday Vicki. I have hope in the promise that I will meet you....again.

Prayer of Commendation 

Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you. 

Go forth, faithful Christian! May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the angels and saints. May you return to your Creator who formed you from the dust of the earth. May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life. May you see your Redeemer face to face.