My Letter to an Angel –

                        LORIE  VINCENT – August 24, 1963 ~ September 3, 2015

As I gaze out into the warm summer night and feel the tender breeze upon my face, I am reminded that the twinkling stars above are not nearly as vibrant as the twinkle that I see as I look into your eyes. Eyes so deep. Black as ebony, yet so loving, soft and tender. In those eyes I see the reflection of the person who lives inside you. The kind, gentle loving spirit you are becomes so clear to me once again.

As I continue to sit here basking in the moonlight, memories of our youth flood my mind. Such happy times, so young, so carefree. Nothing could touch us then. Our whole lives were ahead of us. Where did those days go? How is it that we have come to this day, this time? I am not ready for this to end, this adventure we share, this journey we call life.

I remember a day, a time where long pretty nails were buried deep into my flesh. Oh how I wanted to stick that fork I chased after you with deep into your flesh! I laugh now remembering such a time in our youth.

Then there was the time many years later I watched you lead our group of friends into a time of prayer and worship, a time of studying the Word of God. Oh how I wanted to be like you. So grounded, so mature, so steadfast in your walk with Christ. Tears fill my eyes now remembering such a time as this.

As more years passed I remember the day came for you to head off to college and leave our family and begin to make a new life for yourself. You probably never knew how sad I was to be losing my big sister. I was going to miss you so much but somehow I knew it would be OK. You had always been there for me and I would use what you taught me to be a better person. One day I’d go off to college myself and be just like you.

And then suddenly there you were. My beautiful sister, all dressed in white standing beside the man you chose to spend your life with. I’d never seen you look so happy. You had chosen well and I knew that from that day on you would forever be taken care of and loved the way you deserved to be loved. I admired you so. Always so level headed. You knew what you wanted and you did whatever it took to make your dreams come true.

It did not take long and you were a mother. I’ll never forget the way you loved your kids. There was nothing or no one who could ever tell you more wonderful things about them then you could ever say about them yourself. I knew someday I too would be a parent. I only hoped I could do half as good a job raising my sons as you did raising your kids. Is it any wonder that you would be just as wonderful a grandmother?  Your little granddaughters adore their “Mema” so much!

And now here you are today. All grown up, reaping the rewards of a life well lived. It has been more than a joy walking through the years of our youth together. It has been my greatest privilege sharing my life as an adult with you, my big sister, the one I have always looked up to, admired, emulated, loved and cherished.

Once again, as it was all those years ago when you began your journey to independence, I am saddened beyond comprehension to be losing my big sister. I’m going to miss you so much. How can I make it without you? You’re my sister, but more than that, you are one of my best friends. You have always been there for me……… helped me see things more clearly, calmed me down, built me up……..simply loved me.

I can  only, once again, take everything you have taught me and use it to be a better person, a better husband, a better father, a better son, a better brother, a better friend.

You will always and forever live in my heart. When I close my eyes I will see you…….feel you. When I gaze into the stars and feel the warm gentle breeze on my face I know you will be there with me. You have always been and always will be my angel in heaven and no words on earth could ever convey to you the love I have and always will have for you.

So go now my sweet sister, my angel in heaven. Be at rest. Be at peace. Listen to and embrace the words, “Well done my Good and Faithful servant.” Spread your wings and fly……………. straight into the arms of God.