Thursday, June 7, 2007

New Beginning

Hi Everyone,

If you've read Jordy's post, you know where we're at and where Gail is. She and I are having some 'together time' in her room. It is quiet and peaceful and altogether precious. Gail is precious in her Father's sight. I sense that she is already safe and secure with Him.

Devon and I went out for a drive for a few hours and we were just talking about Gail both in the past, present and future tense. It was too a precious and needed time. The Lord has been so gracious to Gail and to our family. He has been setting everything in order for his ways are so much higher than our ways.

I am thankful to the Lord for Gail, my love, my friend, my understanding partner and Super Mom. Moving up to Northern Cal, 9 years ago, allowed Gail to focus on Devon and pour herself into him and as her health improved, she was able to help out with Special Olympics, C-Pals, Big Wave and helping out in Devon's home school class. This last week, she was doing what she loved doing and that's planning a party for special needs graduates. The Lord has been so gracious in that He has allowed Gail to follow her passion in bringing people together in community.

I am writing this so that I can document and remember what was going on on her last day on this earth.

I am also writing this to Devon to tell you that your Mom and I love you very much and will never stop loving you. Mom, Grandpa and uncle Craig, uncle Paul and others will be cheering you on and make sure that you aren't chugging too many rockstars. I think that Mom would say, 'Trust in the Lord, with all Thine heart, and trust not in your own understanding, in all things acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.'

Death does not have the last word as Gail is now standing with a new body and is safe and sound.

Thank you Gail, for this precious time together. Devon and I are looking forward to our reunion and we will be ok.

'God my shepherd!
I don't need a thing!
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through
Death Valley.
I'm not afraid
when you walk by my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head
my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty adn love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of
my life.

Love, Jon, Gail and Devon

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jon, Gail and Devon,
We send you our love. We are so thankful for the many ways Gail has touched our lives.
Alisa, Alan & David

Anonymous said...

Jon,
I'm rejoicing for Gail, that she's sitting at the Father's feet, but heartbroken for you, Devon, and all who she's left behind.
Love, Cathy Azama

Unknown said...

Jon and Devon,
I've shed some tears and I'll shed plenty more because the world is a poorer and sadder place without Gail. But I do rejoice that she is in Heaven, resting in the Lord's perfect peace. I look forward to the time that we can all be together again and I can see her and thank her for being such a wonderful inspiration to me.
Jon, Devon, and Jordy, thank you for ministering to all of us. You have been a pillar of strength for us, when we should have been strong for you. In your darkest moments, you've managed to soothe our pain and reflect the Lord's light on our darkness.
My prayers will continue for you all.
With all my love,
Cindy Kodama Lowman

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon and Devon, Merry, Mike, Joy, Jordan, Lauren, Justin, Miko and Carl,and all by her side. Thank you Jon for sharing so beautifully of the picture of our Father and Gail conversing side by side. As I was driving yesterday morning, I looked up at the sky, Beautiful, blue sky, white clouds, picture perfect! Gail was there in the clouds smiling her sweet smile. It was as if she was saying it was all good. I love you guys so much and missing her already. Yet she still feels so near. Gail's love is one that we will feel forever, because we know it was Christ loving through her. Love, Juli

Anonymous said...

Dean Jon,

Annually Gail and I reflected on the loss of one of our beloved brothers. I always found comfort in knowing she understood how I felt. She helped me heal from a wound I thought was too deep to ever recover from...losing loved ones on this earth. I praise God for her, she was and will always be an angel to me...a God-send. A woman with incredible compassion and wise counsel.

These were the words she wrote me in October...

"You know that I believe he now lives with the Father for eternity, now being healed, now living life to its fullest in fellowship with Jesus"

As I was saddened by the news that Gail is no longer physically with us. I find comfort in her words today as I had in the past that "she now lives with the Father for eternity, now being healed, now living life to its fullest in fellowship with Jesus."

Her smile, compassion, words of encouragement and joy will always be with me. She is a precious gift from our Lord, whom I will always treasure in my heart.

Love,
amy

Anonymous said...

Filled with tears after reading your post this morning, our hearts cry out for you at this time of great loss for you, your family, and all of us who were so fortunate to have blessed through the sweet smile, kind words, and gentle touch of this wonderful woman of God. May you all feel God's presence stronger and deeper within than ever before through Gail's close and deep connection with Him. She is so precious to Him as she was precious to so many here on earth.

Our love and prayers for comfort during this time.

Love, Jerry, Lisa, Michelle & Brian

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon,
I know that Gail is now resting in the Lord's peace though will miss her here. I am very thankful for the times together with Devon, helping her undertand his struggles and learning but more for her ministering to me. She was such a wonderful woman of
God, so gentle and humble. I will charish our Friday morning talks and the inspiration she was for me and how she touched my life.
Our love and prayers are with you Devon and Jon,
Dan, Deanne, Brendan, Matt and Brad

Anonymous said...

Brother Jon and Devon, I am saddened for your lose but am encouraged by your attitude and thoughts and that through this time of lose you look at the bright side in that Gail is now in a place that God prepared for her a long time ago without pain or suffering and even though there is separation at this time you and Devon will be back with Gail for all eternity.Though Jon, I did not know Gail as I have got to know you I fell Gail has left behind alot of good refined gold nuggets for all to use and to be encouraged by.You and Devon our my brothers forever and my love and prayers our with you. Your brother and sister in Christ Randy and Elvie

mtbtrooper said...

Jon,
We're praying for you and Dev. Gail was such a great example of patience and wisdom, and you both were my church parents during my 'formative' years.
Love,
Mark, Patty, Nolan, Shane, and Luke.

P.S. Shane says that Gail can talk to Grandpa Yokogawa and Grandma Castro now.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon & Devon,
My heart is aching for you. Joey and I love your family so much. We want you to know that you will be in our prayers and thoughts and we'll always be available if you need someone to sit with or walk with. We will miss Gail so much. She was such a warm and loving friend. Joey will be heartbroken when I tell him that he won't be able to see her until we get to heaven. She was very special to him. Like another "mom". And Devon, Joey does think of himself as your "big brother". He really cherished Sunday morning "Cinnamon Bears" at LaDiDa. Thank you for your beautiful words of faith which encourage all of us as we grieve right along with you.
Love,
Pam Sayles and Joey

Anonymous said...

Jon,
Thank you for helping us all to grieve the loss of such a wonderful child of God. Thank you in your time of loss for reaching out to us and keeping us on track with God's word.

Devon,
Your mom will be in your heart forever. Forever keeping you close to her. Yes, it is hard to understand. Yes, it is hard not to be angry and yes, the saddness can be overwhelming. Thank you for knowing and trusting God with your life now and in the future and the life of your family.

We love you both.

Anonymous said...

"For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind"
These past few days have been fearful ones for me - the fear of losing Gail, powerless to do anything regarding her condition and questioning if "God is love" where is He now? As I prayed, seeking these answers, I came to realize that GOD IS WITH US! He gave us Gail as an example of His power and everlasting love!
Jon and Devon be fearless and strong in yor love for one another. And dear Gail, we always spoke of one day doing ministry together again - we may have to do it in Heaven!
Yo and I love you so very much.
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

dear JON & DEVON,

As I grieve with you in losing Gail - at the same time I can't help but thank & praise the LORD for having given her to us for a memorable, all too brief yet sweet time.
What a comfort to know that she is completely healed & with her heavenly Father for all eternity.

praying for you guys
love, -alice hirota

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon and Devon,

We are saddened by the news of Gail and we are praying for you and your family. We were truly blessed to have her in our lives.

Love,
Kevin and Julie Hagihara

Anonymous said...

dear JON & DEVON,

As I grieve with you in losing Gail - at the same time I can't help but thank & praise the LORD for having given her to us for a memorable, all too brief yet sweet time.
What a comfort to know that she is completely healed & with her heavenly Father for all eternity.

praying for you guys
love, -alice hirota

Anonymous said...

Jon, Devon and Family,
I know there is nothing we can say except our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Rod, Karen, and Ryan

Anonymous said...

Jon,
My heart and love goes to you and Devon atthis time. God's great gift to all of us was Gail's love for Christ and how that expressed itself through her giving, her love, and her steadfastness. God's greatest miracle was when she became reborn in Christ, and God's great victory was when His promise of eternity was realized in her life today.
But I am sad that she is gone from this side of eternity. And I'm grieving for you as you say (temporarily) 'goodbye' to your loving wife.
Thanks for what you wrote, Jon. You are a man of Christ.
Pastor Paul

Debby Lesser said...

Dear Jon and Devon,

Our hearts ache for your loss. Gail's loving presence surrounds us all, though.

When I think of Gail I think of a beautiful spirit, always focused on others, always trying to help, always figuring out ways to make people’s lives better. When Gail was with you she was completely present. Her love, gentleness and understanding were like an aura around her. You knew that having a conversation with Gail, no matter what you were talking about, would always be a nurturing experience, and that you would walk away from it having received something very special. A loving calmness. That is how I will remember Gail.

Jon and Devon, our deepest love to you both and all of your family.

Debby and Doug

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, John. Just so sorry.

I'm sorry for you and Devon. For me and my kids. Gail was always so understanding and patient with Serge. She always had time to let him visit you guys no matter how inconvenient it may have been.

Life is unfair. I've always known that. But it's always so hard when it's flung into your face like that. Devon said it right yesterday. I'm mad as hell.

Igor

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon and Devon

I am so amazed at your strength, Jon. I have faith you and Devon will get through this. Knowing she's in heaven with our Heavenly Father is truly a blessing.

I will miss Gail and am so thankful for how she has touched my life!! Our prayers are with you and your families.

We love you all!!!

Penny

Anonymous said...

Jon, Gail, Dev & family,

You know God is good when He gives us someone as lovely as Gail. She has been God's grace, love, kindness and wisdom to us. Such a big void is now left in our hearts.

We too rejoice with our brothers & sisters in Christ that she with Him & suffers no more. Praise Him in our joy & in our suffering!

With much love, tears, more love, more tears - jeff & june

Anonymous said...

Jon, my friend, our hearts go out to you and Devon. My enduring memory of Gail is the power and sincerity of her prayers and those of the Mariners Prayer Team when our Russia group assembled to leave last December. There was something extaordinary about her prayer connection with God. She set a lasting example. Her life was a testimony and I know she will continue to be with you and Devon as God's love and comfort surround you.

Steve and Joan

Anonymous said...

My condolences on Gail's passing. While we have joy in knowing that Gail is with the Lord and completely free, we grieve with the Yoshimines and the many friends and family members on the loss.

Thank you Gail for touching so many lives in such a positive way. We can all testify to God's goodness through your life.

Erik, Linda, Grant, & Faith Akutagawa

Anonymous said...

'Who's to say where the wind will take you
Who's to say what it is will break you
I don't know where the wind will blow
Who's to know when the time has come around
I don't wanna see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye'
U2--"Kite"

We love you guys.

JT and the Tuohy fam

Anonymous said...

Jordy,
We are thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Even though we did not meet Gail, we can feel how incredibly special a woman she is through you. We know that Gail will be forever loved. Please pass our love on to Gail, Jon and Devon. Jordan, you and your family are very special to us. We will continue to send our prayers.
Love,
JoJo, Josh and Baby Jordan

Anonymous said...

Gail,
Isn't it true that we often forget how precious something is until we no longer have it. I should have spent more time getting to know you. Fortunately, in God's time, I will again see your smiling face and get a second chance. Congratulations on a life well lived here, see you in Heaven,
Rod K.

Anonymous said...

hi guys.

praising god today for your faith and for His unending love for all of His children, both those here with us and those He has chosen to bring home. we know that Gail is resting in His presence along with all our family members who have gone before her and is enjoying the ultimate family reunion!

know that we are all here for you but most of all that the Lord is our strength and comfort in times of need.

Devo, keep believing and trusting in God that He is always there for you. Know that your mom can be there for you now even more because she is with you 100% of the time, watching over you with joy and pride as you grow into a strong, God-fearing young man. Know that God is in control of all things and that He faithful to complete the good work He and your mom have begun in you. Stay strong. We love you all.

Blessings,
wendy, derek, erin & dylan

Anonymous said...

Fare thee well Gail! You are a bright light and thank you for always encouraging me! I love you! Jon and Devon, I'll be there for you standing upon the rock of our mutual Father God! I love you both very much and will be with you side by side as you walk through this time. LOVE, Your Brother in Christ! Joe Colella

Mama Kara said...

Jon and Devon,
Oh how my heart breaks but at the same time is glad for Gail that she got her greatest desire, to be with Jesus. The world will never be the same without Gail.
She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. I will always remember the times I spent with her. God is our comfort and our strength.
I love you both...you are in my prayers.

Caroline (Gaulton) Sakanashi and family


"And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven.
Like so many friends we've lost along the way.
And I know eventually we'll be together.
One sweet day.

Picture a little scene from Heaven.

Although, the sun will never shine the same, I'll
always look to a brighter day.

Yeah, Lord, I know, when I lay me down to sleep,
You'll always listen, as I pray!

And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven,
Like so many friends we've lost along the way,
And I know eventually we'll be together.
One sweet day."
-Lyrics by Mariah Carey

Anonymous said...

Brohams,

You don't have to read this if you don't want to, but I think Jeff and June are right. I think Gail is a revelation of God's lovliness. Her inclusive spirit, the grace that she modeled, the pain that she felt for others and for the church; Her heart is true to the things of the Kingdom, a real servant of God's reign. Let the memory of her lovliness, the reflection of the Jesus she loves and served remind us to become the people we are meant to be.

Man, I'm really going to miss her.

Kenji

Anonymous said...

Jon,

I am still hanging onto the little glimmer of hope. Just so you know, I spoke with Wesley Kawato and Barbara Hatherley last night regarding Gail. I'm waiting day by day to see what God's will is in the situation. Wesley, Barbara and I are still praying for the miracle until God shows us otherwise. Gail will continually touch my life regardless of the outcome. Until I know for sure whether she is in our Father's bosom or with us for another season, I'll keep praying for the 1 miracle.

Ed Endo

Wayne said...

Jono & Devon, Merry, Michael & Katie,

We are so sad, for we loved Gail very much. Her warm smile, compassionate heart, and love for life deeply touched us. We will miss her greatly. Our love & prayers are with you.
Wayne & Tina, Rachel & Rebekah

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon,

I'm so sorry to hear of Gail's passing. I didn't know her well, though the few times I did chat with her I realized she was a very special, warm, and loving person. Christ's love was definitely in her! She is in a better place now, though it is so hard to understand why our loved ones have to leave us when it seems too soon!

Robin, Nicole, & Andrea Martin

ricecake said...

jon and devon,

i'm reading this while shedding tears of sadness and joy.

tears of sadness - we will all miss her so very much. her spiritual fruits -- love, joy, peacefulness, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control -- were always there and showed us in subtle yet very real ways just how strong the Spirit lived in you, gail and devon. we are here for you and promise to never forget.

tears of joy in that gail is with the Lord -- the very place she always wanted to be, and she is now free from her earthly body to worship the Lord and fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters.

thank you for ministering to me all those years ago and for setting the example. you've modeled what being a Christian really means and it has been instrumental in my own personal walk.

my prayers are with you. more importantly God is with you too.

in Him,
y

b said...

Dear Jon and Devon,

I just can’t express my sadness and heartache for you. I keep picturing Gail’s beautiful and loving smile and her kind and gentle spirit. I will miss our deep talks about philosophy. God’s love permeated her soul and spirit. Life is not fair but we can rest in knowing that Gail is resting in His presence now. One day we will see her again.
Words are so trite and inadequate – they don’t do justice to the depth of our sorrow and feeling of loss. Just know that somehow God is in all of this and He is in control.

Dev – I know how it feels to lose a parent – I lost my mother when I was twelve. I still miss her and you will always miss your mother. But God is by your side and you will figure out a way to get through this with the love and support of your father and a whole community of family and friends who love you.

Jon, your faith continues to amaze. You are my inspiration. I love you, bro.

Brian Ohno

"In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Mercy Me

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon,
Our hearts go out to you during this time. We are thankful for Gail's precious life. Her sweet, gentle and loving spirit will always be with us. She was an inspiration to all. We are so glad that we got to spend time with your family last year when you were in Seattle. Thank you for sharing with us and allowing us to journey with you. We will continue to pray for you ... may God's love be very real to you in the days ahead.
With tears and sadness, Audrey, Derek, Andrew, Mari & Brian

Teri said...

Jon and Devon,
It was a privilege to get to know Gail through Special Olympics.She was a special person and you could see the love she had for everyone, especially you guys. She was always patient with Brian no matter what. She will be greatly missed, but she will stay in our hearts always. Devon, your Mom will always be there for you. You'll feel her everyday and everywhere. God Bless You!
Love,
Teri, Brian, Jeff,Shawn and Kevin Chatfield

Leslie said...

Jon and Devon,
Our prayers are with you. May you feel your church family coming around you to surround you with love and grace. Gail is with Jesus, how awesome, she has everything she needs and you will see her again. What a witness she was for Christ.
Leslie, Fritz, Nathan and Luke

JOAN LEE said...

To my dearest friend Jon, Devon and Family,

Auntie Fudge called to let us know. I am truly in shock and very very sad. I know what a true friend, wife and mother Gail was to you and Devon. You and Devon were truly blessed. My warmest biggest hugs to you and my continuing constant prayers for Gail, you Jon and Devon. Warmest regards to Jordan and Jeff, Rev Carl and Mrs Yoshimine. With all my love to my friend. Joan Lee

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon,
We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Gail and her warm smile and gentle voice. We're saddened because we're not certain when we'll see Gail again. We're gladdened because we are certain she's at home with the Lord and that we will see her again. Such is the paradox when a Christ follower goes home.
You will continue to be in our prayers.
We love you,
Jim, Karen, Daniel, Stephen, & Joseph DiazRomero

Unknown said...

Jon, Gail, Devon and family,

No words to truly describe what we all feel---Gail has been God's angel of mercy, love, compassion and grace. And we have been so inspired, touched, and blessed by her life.

My only comfort is a picture of Gail resting fully in the arms of Jesus--where she can worship Him all day, all night. What a delight Gail is to our Heavenly Father and to us!

Our hearts are with you, we love you all,

Dave, Cheryl and Samantha

Anonymous said...

Jon,

I can only imagine that God wanted an ever faithful, ever sympathetic, ever smiling servant to take rest in His ever loving presence. Thank you for sharing this time with me and everyone else whose life Gail has touched.
Love and Prayers,
Pam Tsujioka

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon,

Much love and continued prayers to you. My heart aches for your loss but, is comforted that Gail is watching us from Heaven.

Love duane

Anonymous said...

Jon,

How sad I've been for you and Devon all week yet I know by reading your messages that you will somehow get through this sad time. Your faith and family and friends will be here for the two of you. May Gail rest in peace forever.

Katie H.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon, Devon, and family members,

We were so sad to hear the news, but rejoice in the fact that she is at peace now and with our Father. Gail was a very caring and compassionate woman and truly a prayer warrior whose smiling face will be missed by all of us. I will continue to pray for all of you as I have prayed for Gail. May God continue to bring you His peace and strength at this time.
Love, Naomi Teal and Family

jarod said...

Jon:

Chrissy and I are keeping you, Devon, and the rest of the family in our thoughts.

Jarod & Chrissy

Anonymous said...

And To be Known as Accepted in the Beloved...

Jon and Devon,
I'm rejoicing that she's able to see the Lord face to face now. I can do nothing now but remember her with you, and thank God for every rememembrance from here on out, since it has all turned to spiritual and mental gold now.

Gail was amazing. She never did take me for granted. That's a gift she gave me, to convey to anyone, "You are special and don't you ever forget it." In other words, everyone was given the gift of being named Beloved, because she was given the gift of being accepted in the Beloved.

"Many waters cannot quench Your love / Darkness cannot overwhelm me / I will not fear / Your love is near to comfort me..."

Love, Tom Endo

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon,

My heart is just breaking for you both. This is just so surreal and it doesn't make any sense. Your faith is truly an inspiration.

Gail touched so many of us and she helped light my path when I couldn't find my way. Gail's life was a testimony that one person can change the world and her impact will still go on and on.

Jon and Devon, may God continue to comfort you and give you peace.

Love,
Carol

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon,

Although it's been a long time (at least 15 years or so by my count), I can't forget what great people you and Gail were to me back at summer camps. I remember with clarity, the genuine warmth and kindness that you both shared with me.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your son. Your family is truly beautiful and an example to us all.

Love,
Kevin Yanagi

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon, (I can hardly see the screen because of my tears), I don't know if you'll get to reading all these outpourings of love for you, but I know you sense it in your spirit. I have been remembering some of the precious times we have spent with you...the time you came over for dinner and the Lord spoke so clearly through a scripture about your move to HMB; about when I was in Jr. High and you were directing that ministry, and Gail just held me through some hormonal tears, and of course, the skits with the whoopie cushions...yes, I remember! We are thankful for the glimpses of glory that we have experienced through knowing Gail. I know right now she is DANCING DANCING DANCING at the feet of her Father, for her long-awaited time has come; and she is receiving her crown full of jewels for all the rewards that she has amassed over her time spent here on earth. For you, Jon and Devon, I can only think that the Lord has even MORE AMAZING things to come because He will not take away without replacing MORE of Himself in its place.

We love, grieve, cry, laugh, dance, mourn---with you.

Shelley Mott (for Jeff, Joel, Jeremiah and baby on the way)

Anonymous said...

It's been quite a long time since I've seen you guys. I feel for you. I know losing a mom/wife so suddenly is shocking and painful. Praise God that Gail is now in the Loving Father's everlasting arms. It is so wonderful that it doesn't all end here - we will see her again. I'll be praying for you as you go through the greiving process. Be sure of this: this is not a punishment from God and it's not anyone's fault. Gail didn't go to be with God because God was angry with either of you or with her. The human condition can be a bitch, but thankfully Jesus provides both freedom and redemption. My heart aches for you but rejoices with Gail.
- Steve Palomino (from Colorado)

Anonymous said...

Jon and Devon,

I'm so~ sorry to hear about Gail. She will always be special in the hearts of everyone she touched. You know, she is so special, I can't help but think that maybe even God wanted to spend more time with her face to face. She's probably happier now than she's ever been. That may not help us here who are feeling the considerable void she left in our lives, but know that she's experiencing God's perfect love and in His presence. There's nothing I can say that can help make you guys feel better, but know that our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Love,

Andy, May and Evan