Gayle Dubowski asked another disciple to teach her how to make a difference with her life. Little did Gayle know how her untimely death would touch so many. See the reports and comments from around the world.
On Wednesday night, between 1,000 to 1,500 people gave tribute to Gayle's life in the same high school gym where she graduated only two years ago in Carol Stream, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. One week ago today her life and four others were snuffed out by a mentally disturbed gunman in a large lecture hall at Northern Illinois University.
As messages of compassion poured in from campus ministries and churches, students drove from Columbia, Missouri to offer their comfort at the wake on Tuesday and then turned around and returned that night. Messages of love and prayer are posted on the Gayle Dubowski Facebook Memorial page from the 2,377 members from all corners of the globe and around the US.
Former teachers, high school and college friends, her youth minister, her campus minister and elder along with her high school choir and others brought her life to light. Gayle recently asked Claudia Rushton, her good friend in the NIU campus ministry of the Chicago Church of Christ, "Teach me how to make a difference." Claudia shared, "Gayle truly made a difference -- just look around." Already at least one person studying the Bible in another city, moved by Gayle's life, has decided to be baptized as a disciple of Jesus. Gayle, who struggled through her shyness to consistently share her faith, is undoubtedly rejoicing in heaven.
At the service, with great courage Gayle's parents Joe and Laurel Dubowski thanked everyone for their love and support. Joe delivered a truly moving eulogy sharing about finding Gayle's Bible open on her bed in her apartment just as it had been while she lived at home. He remembered staying up late with her answering and pondering many questions as she was struggling to be sure her faith was her own. She was baptized as a teen in the summer of 2003 and is repeatedly honored as a joyful person who loved God and served others.
Inside the cover of her Bible, her parents found a picture of Gayle and her Dad at a Daddy - Daughter Dance several years ago. Joe said, "I will keep that picture with me always."
Joe ended his eulogy by quoting the famous chorus from one of Gayle's favorite musicals, Les Miserables. Then he said, "Gayle's run the race. ... Now, it's up to you and me."
Curt Simmons, minister and friend penned the following poem that appeared on the memorial program:
WELL DONE
(A message for Joe and Laurel)
I have your daughter in my arms, she’s one amazing girl
A beautiful addition here, a rare and priceless pearl.
My heart was overwhelmed with joy, when first I saw her face
I held her hand and softly said, “Well done, you’ve won the race.”
I drew her close and smiled at her, then hugged her very tight
I told her I was proud of her for how she fought the fight.
I told her, “Go and look around, it’s wonderful up here”
“It’s your reward for serving Me, it’s all for you my dear.”
She asked about the two of you, concerned that you’re okay
I promised her I’d meet your needs and help you every day.
I opened up the Book of Life and showed her both your names
I told her that your faith was real, your life backs up your claims.
She smiled as wide as possible, and said she knew it well
That you were both her heroes, and she then went on to tell.
Of the many glowing stories about how you set the tone
For her to one day call Me “Lord” from examples you had shown.
Of course, I wasn’t caught off guard, I knew it all was true
The two of you are known up here for all you say and do.
Then I said, “It’s time for us to go and view your mansion fair”
“I built it just with you in mind, with extra special care.”
She leaped for joy and gratitude when first it caught her eye
She couldn’t quite believe that it was true and not a lie.
But nothing like the joy she felt when I told her, “Wait, there’s more!”
“The mansions for your mom and dad I’m building right next door.”
It was the first of my encounters here, with your lovely daughter Gayle
She’s wonderful in every way, your efforts did not fail.
And though I never thought that we could take our singing higher
It really has improved a bit since Gayle has joined the choir.
She loves it here in Paradise, she’s having quite a blast
Enjoying life eternal while rejoicing in her past.
She misses you so very much and wants to let you know
That underneath your loving care her faith was bound to grow.
She loves you more than ever now, for what you gave to her
She brags about you constantly, yes this I can confer.
I understand your present pain and why you deeply grieve
I understand how hard it was to see you daughter leave.
But rest assured she’s still alive, she crossed the finish line
My deepest thanks to both of you for raising her so fine.
You paved the way for Gayle to live, you showed her how to run
The greatest race that’s known to man, to you I say, “Well done!”
Click the links below for more video and articles:
Video: Tribute to Gail Dubowski by Ariel Begley
Memorial services begin for Carol Stream native Daily Herald
1,000 Pack Service for NIU Victim Dubowski Chicago Sun-Times
Video: Glenbard Gym Filled to Remember NIU Victim NBC 5 Chicago
Goodbye Gayle Dubowski by Chris Zillman, Campus Minister, Chicago Church of Christ
Friends, family remember victims of NIU shootings Chicago Tribune
United in grief for diverse lives lost Chicago Tribune
Northern Star NIU Campus Newspaper
NIU to Host Memorial Service Sunday NIU website
Northern Illinois University Shooting Wikipedia
Last Updated: Wednesday, 16 April 2008