Craig Decker, our prayers go out to his family

For those of you who do not live in Utah, you may not know of the search going on at Utah Lake. Craig Decker was boating with his family on Saturday. He jumped in the lake to retrieve an ore without a life jacket. The waves were really rough (a storm was coming in) and kept push the boat farther away and him down more into the water. Unfortunately it was too much for him and he went under and never resurfaced. The search was called off Sunday due to bad weather but luckily was called back on today. Unfortunately his body is yet to be found.

Craig is a good friend of Jed's from his Organic Chemistry class at BYU. I was lucky enough to meet him once. He came camping with us (saved me from getting on the boat every time Jed wanted to). He is an amazing person. About a year and a half ago he blew up his hand when a roman candle went off while he was holding it. His story is amazing with the transition he had to face. To read it and see a gory (and I mean gory picture-not for the weak stomachs). Check out his blog http://cddoj.blogspot.com/ (scroll down a bit to find the story). He also has some youtube videos he put up demonstrating how to do things one handed (like tying a shoe).

Craig repelling.

Craig and William walking around. My boys loved hanging out with him. Reid especially enjoyed checking out Craig's hook and looking for his hand! Craig was so easy going about what happened to him. He especially loved when kids would talk to him about it because they were so honest and innocent. (he talks about it also in his blog).


Craig holding the 'catch' (trout) after he gutted it by himself. It amazed me with what he was able to do. Actually, I don't think there is anything he can't do. He is truly an inspiration for us who go through any kind of trials. To just take it in and make the best of it. Like Craig says, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you a hook, become a pirate enthusiast!"

Jed says
Craig was an awesome person I only knew him a short time but in that time we became really good friends. We would spend time cat fishing at night and studying o chem. Craig always had a positive attitude and I will really miss him. I know he will be OK, but the world will be a much sadder place without him.