http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisklicka/journal/1 Chris Klicka became very ill while at a conference in Colorado. At this time, he is not expected to recover. The link takes you to updates. I'm sure his family would appreciate any prayers.
Thank you for posting this. I just followed the link and am sitting here literally bawling. Not in grief though. For those of us who have been part of HSLDA, he has become like a trusted friend. More than that, the part of his ministry that had the greatest impact on me was when he came to speak at our state homeschool convention several years ago. When it was his turn to speak, he got up slowly from his chair on the stage and carefully put one foot in front of the other, sometimes tottering slightly. (I think another speaker on stage got up at some point and helped him walk.) Then Mr. Klicka took a hold of the podium at last when he got there and began to speak on persevering. I wept silently that day as he spoke, because our family was going through such trials at the time that it was hard for me to get out of bed and face another day of life. Mr. Klicka spoke about how he awakens in the mornings and has to wait for someone to come help him dress, to take him to the bathroom, and to put adult diapers on him. He had very little strength. Yet he continued putting one foot in front of the other for year after year as he went to the office or worked or played at home or flew to different states to speak at conferences. He described playing basketball with his boys--one would hold him around the waist so he could shoot baskets. He described the work of humility that was being done in his life--his journey from areas of pride to that of surrender. The most eloquent part of his whole speech was his walk to the podium, though. He had already preached the sermon before he ever spoke! I will never forget that! He gave me courage to persevere, and I have often thought back to his will, which was so surrendered to the will of the Holy Spirit that he did not complain. No, he counted it all joy, because he was being transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Christ! I'm bawling now in gratitude that I was able to know him even just a little bit on this earth and in profound gratitude for the way the Holy Spirit comforted me and gave me courage through this man's testimony. Thanks again for posting the link. 'Makes me anxious for heaven myself!
Thank you for posting this link about Mr. Klicka. Our family has been following it and praying for him and for the family. Chris went Home yesterday. His wife has been recording a lovely testimony of gratitude and faith, which gives courage to those of us whose race is not over yet.
I just read the entry Mr. Clicka's wife posted soon after his death and it is a beautiful thing to read. I will be praying for his family.
I'll have to read it, Beth. He will be very much missed! WOW! Found it, and of course I couldn't have dry eyes!
I'm so grateful for his life's work and the impact he has had that ALL homeschoolers benefit from, even if indirectly. He will be missed but WOW! What a life well-spent! And homeschooling is only a tiny part of it...consider also his influence on eternity. In a strange way, his passing makes me want to get busy (busier!) doing good, advocating, witnessing, helping, etc. in hopes of hearing "Well done.", as I'm sure Mr. Klicka has already heard!!!
I am so grateful for his work too and all he did for homeschool families. Whether people agree or disagree with what HSLDA stands for, those who make up HSLDA have worked very hard and have been diligent on behalf of all homeschool families, including Klicka. When I received the email from HSLDA, I cried. I cried because I rejoiced that he was now with the Father but also for the legacy Klicka left behind. He is indeed an example to us about getting busy for God and for our rights as parents to bring up our children as we see fit, whether we are Christians or not.
The memorial service will be the 31st. I've been so blessed by reading Tracy's comments through all of this!
Chris Klicka was like a friend and mentor all through my homeschooling years. Not necessarily personally, but through HSLDA. He will be sorely missed, but how wonderful that he is sharing with the Lord at this very moment! Thank you for sharing this blog with us. It was wonderful to read.
I truly feel touched and blessed by reading their words, even in their trials and suffering they are a testimony to many of God's love.
