One year ago today, my beloved wife Gale’s earthly life ended suddenly and much too soon.
Gale was a remarkable woman of faith, depth, wisdom, and love. She loved the Lord with her whole heart, and that faith shaped the way she lived, the way she loved, and the way she cared for others. She had a depth of understanding that I admired greatly, and she brought clarity, conviction, and calm to so much of life. She was not only my wife, but my companion, my soulmate, my anchor, and the greatest gift God ever gave me. The silence that followed her passing has been the hardest reality I have ever faced.
I thank God that Gale was brought into my life just before Easter 1993. That gift changed me forever. Looking back, I can see even more clearly how much of my life was shaped by her presence, her strength, and her faith. I miss her more than words can say.
This past year has been filled with grief, gratitude, love, and regret. I have thought often about the things I wish I had done better, the ways I wish I had loved her more clearly, and the time I wish we could still have. But all of those thoughts come from the same place: I loved Gale deeply, and I always will.
I remain grateful for the years God gave us together, though they do not feel like enough. I am grateful for Gale’s life, for her faith, for her patience, for her intelligence, and for the love she brought into my life. She was a blessing to me beyond measure.
My hope today is in Jesus Christ. Because of that hope, I believe death does not have the final word. I believe Gale is in the hands of the Lord she loved so dearly. That hope does not remove the pain of missing her, but it does remind me that love is not erased by death, and that those who belong to Jesus are not lost forever.
So today, one year later, I simply want to honor Gale and thank God for her life.
I love you, Gale.
I miss you.
I thank God for you.
And I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life.
Do zobaczenia w niebie…
Don
One year ago today, my beloved wife Gale’s earthly life ended suddenly and much too soon.
Gale was a remarkable woman of faith, depth, wisdom, and love. She loved the Lord with her whole heart, and that faith shaped the way she lived, the way she loved, and the way she cared for others. She had a depth of understanding that I admired greatly, and she brought clarity, conviction, and calm to so much of life. She was not only my wife, but my companion, my soulmate, my anchor, and the greatest gift God ever gave me. The silence that followed her passing has been the hardest reality I have ever faced.
I thank God that Gale was brought into my life just before Easter 1993. That gift changed me forever. Looking back, I can see even more clearly how much of my life was shaped by her presence, her strength, and her faith. I miss her more than words can say.
This past year has been filled with grief, gratitude, love, and regret. I have thought often about the things I wish I had done better, the ways I wish I had loved her more clearly, and the time I wish we could still have. But all of those thoughts come from the same place: I loved Gale deeply, and I always will.
I remain grateful for the years God gave us together, though they do not feel like enough. I am grateful for Gale’s life, for her faith, for her patience, for her intelligence, and for the love she brought into my life. She was a blessing to me beyond measure.
My hope today is in Jesus Christ. Because of that hope, I believe death does not have the final word. I believe Gale is in the hands of the Lord she loved so dearly. That hope does not remove the pain of missing her, but it does remind me that love is not erased by death, and that those who belong to Jesus are not lost forever.
So today, one year later, I simply want to honor Gale and thank God for her life.
I love you, Gale.
I miss you.
I thank God for you.
And I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life.
Do zobaczenia w niebie…
Don
Good Morning Don,
A year ago, you called me to tell me the news of Gale’s entrance into God’s presence. I remember exactly where I was. This is a photo I took right then and there:
John Chase’s Photo in Hawaii
Love you Mom
It has been one year since you entered into eternal glory. I rejoice knowing you are at peace with God almighty.
Thank you for everything you taught me Showing me that God’s beauty is all around us and that acknowledging it draws us closer to him.
Thank you, Jordan
In honor of remembering Gale and her influence on the world, I think of Hebrews 12:1-2. She lived this out every day- a faithful witness to me and I’m sure many others.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfecter) of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV).
Think of the word “joy” being replaced with your name. He died for you and for me, and for anyone who will put their faith and trust in Him and believe on His name. She knew that by keeping her eyes up on Jesus, He would be her ultimate Healer. I’m not sure I’ve known anyone to handle their health adversities (giants) with as much grace as she did. That endurance was such a big influence on me for when I faced my own “giant” – my brain surgery.
She was a bright light- not only reflecting, but radiating the love of Jesus, who is “The Light of the World” – John 8:12 She knew where she was going and endured her physical problems, standing strong in Christ Jesus, as we are all called to do.
Over the years that I knew her, starting in 2005, she became a big factor in my return to Jesus. I just kept feeling that “nudge” as God used her to soften my heart. I count her among a handful of people (God uses people to share His Gospel), who helped me renew my faith and blew air (the Holy Spirit) back into the embers. That fire re-emerged in me greater than it ever was, and now I know that my salvation is secure.
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:12-14
Now Gale is hugging Jesus. She has no more pain. I’m grateful to have known her and to have been the recipient of her true light and love that could only have been of the Spirit. Her artwork also reflected her grace, and we were so blessed to have her (and His) fingerprints on so much of our brand for Chase Brothers. She, in addition to a few other people, were with me through my valley 2 years ago.
I know that God welcomed her home saying, “Well done good and faithful servant”.- Matthew 15:23.
May her memory continue to reflect the Light of Christ among those who know her. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thank you, John… I too am sure your salvation is secure. I pray to God mine is as well. I can’t imaging spending eternity without Gale.
We miss her. ,my sister Gale I have a picture of us by my bed I give thanks to God every day that our mom gave us the best childhood memories.i have great memories of you gale you. were very smart kind and always giggling. You were the big sister that always help out with everything. Love you Gale . From your brother Drew and Family
Thank you, Drew. I pray we may all be reunited in God’s time. I miss our big, noisy holiday feasts. Blessings, Don
I can let you know how empty I feel knowing she has left us. As you well described she was a remarkable lady. Like you I have many regrets not spending more time with her specially during her illness. Now I remember her beauty and how she made this world a better place to live in. I’m sure she is in a happy place and that’s what we all would like for ourselves at the end.
She’s being be blessed everyday and I pray that we all see her and laugh about so many events.
You have honored her in the best way with your words. That is what she always wanted from you. I’m very proud of you for your post.
Gale is giggling knowing she had a positive influence.
Great job Don, keep up the great work. Your strength made her spirit soar.
Keep it up.
Michael
We all ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ & miss you Gale.
Thank you, Michael… Gale was the reason I got up in the morning. She was my entire life and I really thought we were going to make her well so we could move on to more adventures.
An open letter to my Daughter-in-law,
Don’s format has allowed me to thank you, formally, for helping me along the path to my Lord, Jesus. My Mother will be grateful also, she always said “Someday you will need Him.”
We worked through many questions I had and you, finally, made me realize how foolish they were. I think of you as my angel from Heaven and my guiding light. You are, indeed, a gift from Heaven – make room for one more I will see you soon.
I Love You,
Dad
Thank you, Dad…
That was very sweet. Maybe if you say it to Jesus, He will let Gale know.
Happy Mother’s Day To Gale🌺🌹🌹🌺
A kind beautiful lady with a heart of gold 💕