Elijah Lee Harkins

Elijah Lee Harkins, beloved son, grandson, nephew and brother, has immigrated to his heavenly homeland, going “further up and further in”. 

Elijah was born to Todd and Julie Harkins on May 31, 2006 in Weston, Wisconsin.  During his birth he had a brain injury, an event which resulted in cerebral palsy and elevated an “ordinary” life to one marked by great difficulty and challenge.

Elijah’s first birthday was celebrated in Manila, Philippines.  He turned two in Sandpoint, Idaho, and there spent the remainder of his sixteen years.  He was joined by siblings Luke, Zane, Katelyn, Joel, Elizabeth and Lilly.

There are many people who have loved and cared for Elijah in the Sandpoint community via their prayers, medical assistance, care, and concern.  We are grateful for each of them.  Elijah fought a difficult battle in this world, struggling daily to breathe, to keep his food down, and with pain from a twisted body.  He is a hero to us because despite these difficulties, Elijah loved big.  He had nothing to give but his smile, but his smile was gold.  We as his parents are blessed, blessed, blessed by the gift God gave us in Elijah – blessed and changed.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”   Elijah’s life here was only the beginning of the real story.  Now at last Elijah is “beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before”.  We will join him there soon, beholding the face of Jesus Christ, healed and whole.

Funeral services will be held September 17th, 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Sandpoint.  All are welcome.