A Stalwart Example

One of my favorite memories involving Craig was during a sacrament meeting last year at Foreign Language Housing. Someone was receiving a calling and Craig raised his left hand to sustain him. A high councilman who was sitting in the congregation made a snark comment under his breath--something about, "Who does he think he is raising the wrong hand like that?" A friend from the ward turned to him quickly and said, "He doesn't have a right hand sir." Silence. Craig made his situation work--no matter how tough--he said it best in his own words when he wrote, "I will not be a victim, ever." And that is the most important lesson Craig taught me: to not victimize myself.

I am grateful for his stalwart example and for the role he played in my life. While I complain far more than I should, and sometimes whine when I shouldn't, I have caught myself thinking at times that I am grateful I still have all my limbs and muscles--even if they hurt sometimes. More importantly than Craig not having a hand was the way he made do without it. I have no doubt that he was ready to let the Atonement work for him when he drowned last Saturday--in so many ways he already has.

Thanks for everything, Craig. I'm glad you have your hand again...but I know you would have been a great chiropractor without it.

--Missy Johnson