For My Firebird...

The past few days have been trying for everybody to say the least. Filled with shock, disbelief, worry, grief, denial and all of the above that come to mind with such an untimely (to us on this earth) passing of our friend, brother, son, student, and mentor Craig Decker. BUT in the same breath, I will also say that these past few days have been filled with hope, support, faith, prayer, inspiration, admiration, celebration, and most of all LOVE..

Love is most of all what reminds me of not just our friend Craig, but of the Decker Family as a whole. Love that is unconditional, inviting, accepting, inspiring, and supportive of ALL they come into contact with. The warmth of this FAMILY is so welcoming and bright, that even with time and distance between us, I am still in awe of the kindness and acceptance that was shown to me so many years ago. I have held a special place in my heart for the Decker family, and have used them as an example to myself and my family in countless situations I have encountered as I travel through this life of twists and turns.

My memories of Craig consist of high school marching band at West Jordan. To me, Craig was known as "little Decker" or "little Dave" that is what I always called him. A sweet-hearted, positive, happy to be around, do anything for you, hard working little replica of the crazy, hard headed, stubborn, clumsy, accident prone, risk taking…WONDERFUL and irreplaceable friend and partner in crime Dave Decker. I always wondered how the two could look so much alike and be so different, Craig was always willing to help out and eventually followed in his big brothers footsteps to become Drum Major himself. And as well he should, a natural leader and respected peer, just like Dave. Again…a testament to the Decker family, they are simply amazing individuals each and every one of them.

After graduation I kept in contact with Craig's brother Dave, and would get updated on his progress and things he was up to as well as the family's well being and such. Still fueled by their love and compassion I encountered during those few short years of high school, the Decker Family was a shining example to me, as I moved into having a family of my own, of what I wanted to create for my children, my husband and myself.

The Decker family's strength and faith during this time has been still, nothing short of amazing. And yet again, I am finding myself in a position of awe as I watched them handle Craig's transition and Journey back home.

To me, Craig's Journey home these past few days has turned into my own Journey home in a way, as I have been off track for so long, and I want to share the renewed sense of Faith, God, and power of Prayer that has washed over me recently. I am finding comfort in them again, and like a "Firebird" I may have lost an old friend on this earth, but I have gained an old friend back out of the ashes.

Thank you Craig for being yourself, and holding tight to your Testimony as it shined through into everything you did and everyone you touched. You will be missed.

--Ranee