Happy Birthday Vicki; Rest in Jesus's Arms

Happy birthday Vicki. The words here are nearly the same as last year. I've never seen your face except in my dreams, but I love and miss you all the same. Rest in Jesus's arms. 

Forty-two 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.

27 Years of Fatherhood, Learning

After Joel's First Communion with Amanda and Michael

My oldest child, Joel, turns 27 today. As I'm sure is the case with most (all maybe?) father-son relationships, the circumstances of such have not always been the best. However, for quite a few years now, I would say that our relationship is mostly outstanding.

Through a lot of hard work, Joel has become quite successful as a manger for his employer, and I am always pleased to hear him talk about his honest concern for those that work for him and with him. He has high ethical standards and business practices that have helped him gain recognition throughout his company.

More than that though, Joel is a loving husband and father. When he and his family visit, it is so obvious, but it's really just as obvious in his voice when we talk about them during our now-frequent phone conversations. Joel seems to be doing a much better job of balancing family life than I ever did.

I've learned lots of lessons through my relationship with Joel. One of those is that people often have different perceptions about the same "events" in life, and it's not likely that either will be successful in persuading the other to their "side", especially if they're father and son. The greatest benefit of that lesson though, is that if both parties accept that truth and are able to do their best to understand the other's position (or perception), then the "differences" between them can actually strengthen not only that relationship, but potentially those with others as well. I'm pretty strong-headed, but am working hard on this.

I could write quite a bit more about these things, but what's most important is to say that as a father, a husband, and a man, I am proud to say that I admire Joel, and there are many qualities about him that I aspire to.

Happy birthday Joel. I love you son.
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Here's a link to Joel's own birthday post today.