A Drum Major Mentor

I met Craig Decker when I was a sophomore in high school and he was a junior. We became friends really quickly we stayed friends and became really close the next year.

Craig was on of the Drum Majors of my high school marching band when I was a junior. We were in many of the same bands and played music together a lot. I remember that sometimes I would drive him home after school or a pep band event and we would sit in my car in his driveway and talk for an hour about life and about whatever was on our minds. I looked up to him so much, and when I was trying out for Drum Major he was one of the ones that taught me how to be a leader and how be as dedicated as he was. I remember on the night of Band Banquet that he was the one who called my name as the Drum Major to replace him. Those of you that aren't band geeks probably won't understand how big of a deal this was, but to me at the time it was huge.

About a year and a half ago Craig lost his right hand in a firework accident, yet he worked so hard to make the best of it and teach others how to live with their disabilities.

Craig was so talented, charismatic, funny, and wonderful. I'm sure it was his time to go and there is obviously a reason Heavenly Father took him because he wasn't doing anything he shouldn't have. I have faith in Heavenly Father's plan, but I just can't help but be sad that he is gone.

I'll be praying for his family. Craig taught me so much and I'll miss him.

-- Tannie Datwyler