Craig Decker

During my sophomore year at BYU (which came before my freshman year at SUU, for those of you who might be confused), I sang in a small extracurricular choir run by some grad students.  I don't remember too much about the experience--it was just a once-a-week commitment for a few months of my life.  Two important things came from that venture, however.  First, it was during a performance of this choir that I decided to major in music.  Second, it was there that I met Craig Decker.

Just a few months before I met Craig, he had lost his right hand in a freak accident involving faulty fireworks in Mexico.  I didn't know this when we met--I assumed he was an amputee of many years, because he handled his loss with such grace and humor.  I remember his Facebook profile picture was of this guy, who also made the most of not having a right hand:

Craig was one of the most positive, pleasant people I'd met.  My interactions with him were limited, but enough to show me the power of a positive attitude.  Before a performance, we were all asked to carry our folders onto the stage in our right hands for uniformity.  Craig asked, "Would it be okay if we switched hands?  Some of us are lefties."

My brief encounter with this remarkable person helped me to realize how far a positive attitude can go.  Since then it has become a core aspect of my identity and a most valued piece of my life philosophy.

About a year after I'd last seen Craig, I learned that he had died at age 25 in another freak accident, a drowning while boating with his family.  As I explored one link after another from the news story reporting his death, I learned that Craig's sphere of inspiration was a lot broader than I'd ever imagined.  After losing his hand, he had adjusted remarkably well, determined to make the most of the situation.  He started a YouTube channel devoted to helping amputees adjust to their new lives.  He posted instructive videos on how to do everyday things like open jars, tie shoes, etc, with just one hand or using a prosthetic hook.  He wrote motivational words, sharing his testimony of Jesus Christ and how it had helped him through his transition.

The response was amazing.  Hundreds of responses to Craig's posts revealed a glimpse of the range of his positive influence.  I was absolutely blown away by this example of how far-reaching one person's impact can be.  When Craig lost his hand, he could've reacted in any of a wide range of ways.  He chose the reaction that would bless hundreds or thousands of lives.

You can read more about Craig's story here, and here.  One of these articles states: "Decker's sphere of influence reached farther than his parents imagined." That's for sure.  I wonder how many casual acquaintances like me were forever changed by knowing him.  Thanks to Craig's example I understand just how important each life on this earth can be.  We are here to make a difference.  I'm grateful to Craig for making that difference for me.