A gentle man whose stories helped many

Comedian and singer Vincent Craig is a gentle man and will be remembered as such in my mind.

Craig is best known for his famous and humorous love song "Rita," at least in my generation. The song tells of a young man vying for a young lady's love but is told he needs to steal "a Big Hunk candy bar."

Humorous but yet calming, this was a song that helped me make the transition from being a public school student to a boarding school student. Being away from my parents and the comforts of my home was an adjustment to sharing everything with 50-plus students from various parts of the Navajo Reservation.

The school was Chuska Boarding School in Tohatchi, N.M., now known as Ch'ooshgai Community School.

The first day I admit I was afraid to be around the other students because I didn't know any of them nor the dorm aides. It was a different environment and it took some getting used to when I was dropped off on Sunday afternoons.

The rides home on Friday evenings were lively with my siblings talking about school, friends and activities. But on Sunday afternoons the 20-minute drive was a long one.

Back at the school, I sat in the conference room in the dorm where students gathered for roll call. It was quiet and the clock radio in the dorm aide's room would always play "Rita."

It wasn't so much the song and its words but the tone with which Craig sang. There was a calming tone that told you everything was going to be OK, and that you're not alone because he's been there before.

Years later he performed a song at the Central Navajo Fair Comedy and Music Show at the Piñon High School auditorium and that brought back memories. The song is  "Boarding School Survivor."

I was allowed to interview him as he was hospitalized. The opportunity came after rumors circulated that he had passed away.

The interview took place in his hospital room at the White Mountain Indian Health Service Hospital. The chain link fence at the entrance to the facility was adorned with posters and cards from Craig's fans.

Fans, relatives and friends continuously surprised him with visits and words of encouragement interrupted our interview. Many cried as Craig held their hand or hugged them.

Craig, with as much grace as he displays on stage, comforted them, saying, "Hey, it's OK. Everything will be all right."

Once I got done with my interview, I sat next to his bed, looking into his eyes. There was a sense of peace that sparkled. There was a calm.

My experiences from boarding school became the highlight of the discussion and I remember telling him that his song had helped me get through what I considered a tough time.                                                
Telling him thank you was tough as my heart jumped to my throat making it hard to breathe and speak. Telling stories through his narratives is soothing because I knew what he was talking about.

The interview took place on March 19 and the article was published on March 25. The basic overall message he shared, besides deterring rumors of his passing, is that we as individuals represent the teachings of our parents and grandparents.

"You are a product of your parents' teachings," he said. "I can tell that you come from a very good family. People don't know that they represent their families with who they are and where they come from."

He talked about his children Dustinn, Nephi, and Shiloh, who are moving in a direction to capture their dreams and goals. His voice was filled with contentment as if he knew that his time was drawing near and that with the best of what he offered his children, he knew they would be OK.

That following Monday morning, on March 22, Mr. Craig called and I thought it would be good news since his voice sounded livelier but the news wasn't.

"You know that treatment that I was on?" he asked. "My body didn't take it. The treatment didn't work but there is another treatment I'm going to try. I just wanted you to know. I don't know how that's going to change the story or not, or if it will go to print still.

"If anything, maybe just not mention it," he said. "I just want people to know I'm OK and that it's fine for now. If there is anything I will let you know. Thank you and please let the Navajo Times staff and readers know that I'm in God's hands. Everything will be all right."

At that second I felt a panic and tried to say something to keep him on the line longer. To this day I don't know why I did.

Just then Tommy Arviso Jr., CEO and publisher of the Navajo Times, walked by the newsroom.

During my visit, Craig mentioned his appreciation to the Navajo Times for telling the tales of Mutton Man. So I mentioned to Mr. Arviso that Craig was on the line and I knew it meant something to my CEO if he spoke at least a few minutes with Craig.

Almost two months passed by and I was told Mr. Craig was on his journey. Mutton Man was laid to rest.

Humility is a gift one should not take for granted. As individuals we should embrace life despite the bumps on the road. Rest in peace, Mr. Craig.

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