Craig Decker

I wanted to take a moment to remember a friend that Rand and I had the pleasure of knowing. For anyone living in Utah, you may have heard the reports of the search going on for a man who drowned in Utah Lake (they found his body this morning). That was our friend, Craig. I first met Craig about a year and half ago when we worked together in the EFY office. Then a few months later he moved into the same apartment complex of the singles ward that Rand and I were in.

At the time that I met Craig through work, I had some of my own stuggles and trials going on. One day while sitting at my computer I received an email that Craig had sent out to everyone in the office. It made such a profound impact on me that I still have it saved in my email to this day. You see, Craig had had one of his own trials not even two months previous to the time he sent the email. He had an accident with a firework and lost his right hand. I never even knew until I received this email, he just didn't play the victim. I asked him shortly after if I could share his email with some of my friends, to which he responded that he wouldn't mind at all, he was happy at the thought that he might help someone else with his experience.

I'd like to think he wouldn't mind that I share it with all of you.


2/27/07
Hi everyone- this was part of a grant I applied for. I thought you might enjoy it.

I haven't always been left handed. In fact, I still get weirded out when I look down at the stub where my right hand used to be!

Christmas vacation this year took me on a road trip to Mexico.

Question: Where can you buy better quality fireworks than in Mexico? (Answer: anywhere.)

On New Year's Eve I lit a harmless looking firework at midnight, and a moment later I looked down and realized that my hand was gone! I have learned some powerful lessons through that experience. (Surprisingly, most of them have very little to do with firework safety!) Although what occurred was tragic, I believe what I have learned has made me a better person and will continue to bless the lives of many individuals. I would like to share them with you:

1. Don't buy fireworks in Mexico!

2. There are some things in life that we simply cannot control. (If I hadn't blown off my hand, some other poor person would have.) It's okay. As we let go of those things quickly and completely, we become free.

3. "Men are that they might have joy"! Life is good. Laughter heals. Life is funny. There are funny things that happen every day even in the worst of situations. Bad days make good stories. There is a time to laugh and a time to cry. It's funny that laughter and tears come together so easily.

4. The atonement of Christ brings peace and healing "that surpass all understanding". We come to know ourselves and we come to know God through our trials. We are surrounded by miracles. When we trade self pity for humility, our eyes are opened to see them.

5. There is so much life to live! Why waste time worrying and stressing about inconsequential things? Spend time doing what matters most-the things that bring the most light and joy to life. Enjoy the ride.

6. Challenges make us stronger and better. With creativity and patience, we are capable of much more than we ever imagined. Our perspective determines our reality. (There is nothing that quite compares with the feeling of accomplishment gained from flossing with one hand for the first time!)

7. We can always lift others, no matter how bad of a situation we are in. It is a divine gift. The only true and lasting joy comes from forgetting ourselves and lifting those around us through love and service.

I would never wish another person to lose their hand. But I hope my experiences can help and bless others.

Have a great day!
-Craig

Rand and I didn't know Craig as well as many others, but we are grateful we were able to know him at all. He was a wonderful example of faith, optimism, humor (he threw a pirate party when he got his prosthetic hook), kindness and much, much more!