Quick Love

The first memory I have of Craig came even before I met him. About a year ago, I had asked a female friend of mine on a date. I was a bit disappointed when she called and canceled, asking to reschedule due to a party she needed to go to. A friend of hers, she said, had just received a prosthetic hook, and she couldn't miss the pirate party planned for the occasion. After my very first time meeting Craig, I easily accepted the cancellation of my date and was then only jealous that I wasn't invited to come along.

This past term, at BYU, I was lucky enough to sing in the University Chorale with Craig. I got to speak with him and began to get to know him there. We also started voice lessons together just two weeks ago. We talked about his outlook on life and how losing his hand affected him. Speaking with him recently strengthened the impression I had from my first conversations with Craig; I felt his overwhelming optimism and a pure spirit of goodness that I will miss. He missed our lesson last Wednesday, and while I wonder what occupied him in his last days here, I am sure that he is now where he needs to be, called home to our Father in Heaven. His quick smile and the way he drew my love and admiration will continue to bring a smile to my own lips as he continues to inspire me to be more like Christ.

--Parker Heiner