Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A Note From Karen & Joe

Thank you soooo much for setting up the blog. The blog comments are so comforting. We are being incredibly supported in CA and we feel the prayers of everyone. Joey's wonderful friends have surrounded us. Our CA friends are carrying us. We go to the mortuary this morning. It is the first time we have seen Joey, and it will be our last on this earth.

We went to his house last night and saw his bed where he died of a seizure. He had his Bible next to him and the book I had given him last week, "Wild at Heart". I am carrying his shirt with me so I can smell him. He was such an incredible, gifted person---so full of life and love. It is hard to let him go and we will miss him beyond description. He brought so much energy and enthusiasm and hope to our lives. My prayer is that Jesus is holding him now, encouraging him, and that he is smiling down, saying it's okay, Mama. I will so miss hearing him call me that.

Please thank everyone for us. I am so grateful for our community on Maui.

Much love to everyone who is there for us,
Karen and Joe

33 comments:

Hope Chapel Admin said...

Oh Karen and Joe, I wish we can be there with you. I am glad to read this post and read how your CA family and Joey's friends are surrounding you there. Hug that shirt of Joey for me too.

Love you,
Liza

linus said...

Joe and Karen,

Sharon and I heard about Joey's death from Linus Jr. who called and wept as he told us. Tears have welled up over and over again the past few days as we have thought of you and your beautiful son. Please let us know how we can walk along side of you in these days as we hold you dear. By His grace and strength, Linus and Sharon

lorensaved77 said...

Dear Karen and Joe
It is comforting to know you are being cared for by those Cali freinds,
We here on Maui are waiting for your return, but in the mean time prayers are going your way, as I too know the grieving you are expierncing right now...I too carried around one of Danielle's shirts and even seeing her Hair brush with hair still attached brought me comfort in a wierd way, knowing someday I would be feeling again those long Brown waves of thick hair...
It's wierd what we grab for in times of wanting comfort.
I love you guys and want you both to know along with your family we are grieving with you although I only had the privalage of meeting Joey last weekend,I felt the sweetnes in his spirt as he shook my hand and looked me straight in the eyes, I could tell this was a special man!
Love and Blessings to you...
Nancy and Loren Family

Anonymous said...

Dearest Karen & Joe,
Even though your heart is breaking and tears are clouding your eyes and staining your cheeks, know that we are with you through this journey of grief. Continue to hold God close to you as He is our Great Comforter, Strength, and Healer. I love you both.
Marlene Ortiz

Cassandra said...

Love you both, your in my thoughts and prayers. It was a blessing to know Joey.

Love Cassandra Z.

Anonymous said...

Karen and Joe,

we are praying for you daily through
your loss of Joe.

We enjoyed knowing him here on earth and look forard to seeing him in eternity

Mike & Mary Knowles

Anonymous said...

Joe & Karen

my tears & prayers are with you
Though it's been years since I've seen him, I can still imagine Joey's handsome face smiling today in the presence of his Lord.

nancy baker

michaelandciara said...

Dear Karen & Joe,
Know that we love you very much and are praying daily for your family. The memory of Joey playing guitar with Joe for the 50's/60's party keeps coming to my head! Joey, so full of Life, and so gifted!!
Always on our minds,
ciara, michael and mikaela too!

Anonymous said...

Our dearest Joe and Karen (and family),
Our prayers and hearts go out to you. We love you both very much and are so thankful to have you in our lives, you both have been a huge blessing in our lives!! It has been quite a while since we last saw Joey but we can only imagine what a wonderful man he grew up to be considering the two amazing parents he has! I know he will be missed so very much....but the hope we have promises us of the reunion one day!! We will continue to lift you up in prayer for comfort and strength. Big hugs to both of you! We love you both very much, Lori and Wes

Anonymous said...

Dear Karen and Joe,

Our hearts are broken for you. You have been a comfort and a help to so many who have walked through the valley of the shadow of death...may God continue to bathe you now in His comfort and love. We are praying for you and your family. Love, Curt and Patti

Anonymous said...

Dearest Johnsons,
Lifting you before the Lord... We pray you feel His comfort, His arms holding you up, consoling you as you cry before Him.
Our hearts so hurt for you all...
Love, prayers, and peace to you-
The Ortegas

Irma said...

Dear Karen and Joe,
You are both in our thoughts and prayers. We are very saddened by the news about your son and wish you and your family sympathy. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to for you. We are so thankful for all the help you have given us in our marriage through your classes and counseling.
With love and hugs,
Irma and Chad Kalehuawehe

Anonymous said...

Joe and Karen , Im at a loss for words and want you both tho know that I wish so much I could do somerthing for you especially you Karen 2 years ago I thought I was going to die It wasnt my time and you helped G and myself so very much I am forever grateful to you and joe G once told me if I could ever be half the godly man Joe is I would forever be happy and never ask another thing from the lord,,, both of your hearts are beating as one and I am praying for you both for peace and guidance ..Joe was always always so nice to my and G.. God must have really needed another angel with red hair and a big smile and a talent for playing joyful music.... I love you both Karen Joy

Anonymous said...

KAREN AND JOE,
I PRAY AND TRUST THAT GOD WILL GIVE THE STRENGTH THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NEED TO GET THUR THIS TIME. I CAN NOT EVEN PUT INTO WORDS WHAT I FEEL IN MY HEART THAT I WANT TO EXPRESS TO YOU BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT KNOWS AND I JUST PRAY THAT HE YOUR ABBA DADDY GIVES YOU ALL THE COMFORT THAT HE ALONE CAN GIVE YOU IN A TIME LIKE THIS. GOD BE WITH YOU AND BLESS YOU DEBBIE UYETAKE

Cassie said...

Dearest Karen & Joe, Bless you precious ones and your family and please know you are prayed for continually. My heart, and love and support are with you and praying that God's arms and love and mercy will surround you and comfort you. I am here for you anytime - day or night. Love always, Cassie

Anonymous said...

Dear Joe & Karen,
Terry called me at work with the sad news after seeining it on Kit's blog. We are so sorry for your loss. People always seek out Joe & Karen for wise counseling in times of trouble or tragedy.
My memories of Joey are when he was a guitarist & singer on the worship team and as the most talented musician of "Joe & the Boys" oldies group. After Joe Sr. gave the band introductions, Joey would give an endearing tribute introducing his Dad as leader of the band. I don't know of any better father & son team.
Love,
Gerry & Terry

Anonymous said...

Dear Joe and Karen,

With tears flowing...I find such peace as I see the photos of your handsom son with his family, friends!!!

I cry for the pain you are experiencing and find it difficult to encourage you...I know the personal loss of losing a loved one.

One day at a time.... with the Lord.

Love you Johnson family...I am weeping with you and for you!

Kim

Anonymous said...

Dear Karen and Joe,

Although you probably do not know me, I just had to tell you from one mother to another, that I am with you in your pain...and words fail me to express my heart....

I love you and pray for you,

Carole Brazil

Joey Andrews said...

Joe and Karen,

I am so sorry for your loss. When I heard about Joe, the first thing I remembered was meeting you at church. The two of you sitting right behind my parents and I. And I remembered you telling me about your son who we would meet up with on our mission trip and to look for him.

As soon as we got to Forrest Home I found him and introduced myself. Once we decided on who would be called "Joe" and who would be called "Joey", we became instant friends. That very first day we played basketball together, we played guitar, we worshipped together, we laughed and joked and were inseparable from then on. And you all became my second family. And my heart breaks for you.

I don't know how I can help or comfort you (I pray for you), but I think about you everyday and just want to hug you both. I think about Joe everyday. I have such great memories of Joe.

Love you,
Joey Andrews

Anonymous said...

Joe and Karen,

I may have only met Joey once, but I understand that he was a wonderful young man. Our prayers go out to you and we really missed you at the baptism. Until your return to Maui, remember the 23rd Psalm and how we are comforted by His rod and His staff...

With love,
Craig, Betsy and Dylan

guavatea said...

Dear Johnson Family,
We love you. We're lifting up tear-filled prayers for you, continually, for God's comfort and peace that only He can bring. Our hearts break for you. Your family has been such a blessing to us. Sending you our love and hugs.
The Gulnac Family

Unknown said...

Dearest Joe, Karen, Jamie, Joanne and Family~
I am heartbroken at the news of Joey. Totally heartbroken. I can't even begin to imagine the great sense of loss. Joey was such an amazing guy. Funny, smart, loving and so excepting of others. I will never forget they way you opened your door to Kealani and I almost 10 years ago. Joey was there when we moved to Maui and we didn't know anyone. He quickly introduced us to others and would always make us feel welcome at his/your home. You guys have been there for me during a lot of trying times there in Maui. Thank you. Now I am here in California, please let me serve you in anyway possible. Love and Prayers, Heather Overholt

Anonymous said...

Joe and Karen Jaime Joanne
we send our love to you once again. may God fill you with comfort from His Spirit and the people who Joey loved in CA. i pray you hear many, many stories of your son and brother and find comfort in the love you discover he left in the hearts of people.
we love you so much
pete carrie and girls

Anonymous said...

Karen and Joe,

Joe and I are so sorry to hear of your great loss. We are saddened beyond words that you are now to be in this group of parents who have survived a child. We want you to know that God is faithful even when these things happen. God is still on the throne and He will carry you through this. We are able to intercede for you during this time.

You are greatly loved and supported.

In His Grip,
Kim and Joe Finney

Anonymous said...

Words fail.
Jesus doesn't.

Unspeakable love,
Paul and Teri

p.s. I kept my brother's robe for many years just to remember his smell...

Anonymous said...

We just heard the news that Joey is with God. We are praying for you (Joe and Karen) and your family that you will feel God holding you close and be comforted by His love. I feel that words are inadequate but hope that the Holy Spirit will translate the thoughts of our hearts and convey our love and hugs.
Love, Paul & Caryn Bjork

Anonymous said...

I count it one of the great privileges of my life to be called a friend of the Johnson family. No platitudes.....just love and tears.
Karin

Anonymous said...

Joe and Karen,
What a loss. I haven't lost a child but can imagine that there is nothing more painful. God bless you and hold you and continue to make His presence known to you and your family. Grieve well. Many are grieving with you.
In His love,
Al & Sallie Patterson (Sara Jane's folks)

Anonymous said...

Karen, Joe and family,
Words cannot express the sorrow that I feel. I loved Joey and will always remember his warm smile and constant enthusiasm. When I last saw him at Nathan's wedding he jumped from his seat to hug me as I walked over to say Hi to him. That's the kind of person Joey was. He didn't make me feel like "oh she's just one of my parent's friends" he made me feel that he was truly happy to see me.

You raised an amazing son and God has welcomed that amazing young man into His kingdom with the same warm embrace that Joey gave me.

You have blessed so many friends with love, friendship, counseling, hospitality, fellowship, etc. through the years and now it is our turn to be there for you.

With heartfelt love and prayers for comfort. xoxo... Norma (Johnson) Ryan

Anonymous said...

It was through mutual friends we heard about Joey. How poignant is the news! Our children are one of the greatest blessings here on earth. Your loss will be great. We pray for the Lord's strength and comfort in the days to come. Thank you Lord, we know you will be there for the Johnson family.
We will be lifting you up in prayer,
Steve and Jennifer Livingston

Anonymous said...

It was through mutual friends we heard about Joey. How poignant is the news! Our children are one of the greatest blessings here on earth. Your loss will be great. We pray for the Lord's strength and comfort in the days to come. Thank you Lord, we know you will be there for the Johnson family.
We will be lifting you up in prayer,
Steve and Jennifer Livingston

Erin Foster said...

Johnson Family,

I dont even words...

I am carrying with me and for you memories of much laughter in the butt hut.

Love,
Erin

OCS Missions said...

Words seem inadequate at a time such as this. Please know, I join the many, as I pray from the depth of my soul for each of you.
I remember Joey from back in the day at Calvary youth group. Even now, just thinking of him, puts a smile on my face. Fun-loving joy sprang from his very being and he always left a room/group/event better because he had been there. The wonderful mark he has left on many lives is far-reaching and we are all blessed as a result.
In His peace & strength,
Susi Thompson