His Presence

I am an Admissions Representative at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. I have been working with Craig for well over a year. I distinctly remember the day he called me to tell me that he'd had the fireworks accident and lost his arm. He said that, although it might slow him down a bit, it would never stop him! He told me he'd recently learned of a chiropractor who practices in Washington. This man also had only one hand and Craig was anxious to meet and talk with him.

The first time I met Craig was at the Sundance Resort in Provo where Craig attended a dinner hosted by Palmer. I vividly remember when he walked in the door. He had such a "presence" about him that, even though people were deep in conversation, they noticed Craig the minute he arrived. Craig stayed for over an hour after the dinner talking with us - we were looking forward to having him at Palmer! Last I knew, he hoped to apply later this summer.

A Palmer graduate practicing in UT, who met Craig at Sundance, sent me an e-mail to let me know about the accident. When I saw the news clip, I cried because Craig and I had discussed how he might be at Palmer at the same time as my son (Chris). He joked about how he was going to take Chris under his wing and teach him a thing or two!

Craig held a special place in my heart. I read an e-mail that someone posted on the web - Craig had sent it to this young lady and she wanted to share it. She mentioned she'd kept it because it touched her so deeply. I shared the e-mail with one of our faculty members, who'd also met Craig at the dinner. He said that he plans to read it to his class so that Craig could continue to touch lives even in death.

I wonder if Craig ever knew how deeply he impacted those of us from Iowa who knew him. We often touch people in small, but significant ways. Craig certainly made a difference in our lives and we will miss him. But, what a beautiful legacy he has left behind - in his short life, he has impacted so many people!!

--Ellen Bassler