Remembering A Former Student On Monday evening, July 3 1995 , as I passed the T.V., My heart skipped a beat as I heard "Randlett man-tragedy". I was numb as tears began to fall down my cheeks, my chin, As I realized the accident involved a former student....Dustin. My thoughts began to race...to Irene...to Ray, As I fell to my knees..."God be with them," I pray. Then I thought of my own son, Chad. Oh, how I dread, To tell him the horrible news that a dear friend is dead. During the next few hours my mind took a long journey. Back to 1986-87...to Big Pasture Fourth Grade...could it be? As I looked over my students...it seems so long ago, I can remember each...one oh my , I love them so. There's Dustin, Clay, Chad, Stephanie, Robin, Laina, and Kristi. Then Jennifer, Heather, Kevin, Carla, Amalia, and Nancy. Oh, yes, and Shell, Shanon, Forrest, Mandi, Staci, and Micki. These are but a few of the faces each day I love to see. Day by day and year by year I've watched these little ones grow. Taller and wiser and more in the know. One thing that stands in my mind loud and clear, Is Dustin.. His friendliness and smile.. what a dear! Just two weeks ago loading my car at Burk Wal-Mart, I heard a familiar voice yell,"Mrs. Adams", and saw Dustin and his sweetheart. We hugged and laughed and spoke of my son. That was the last to be the last time before his short life was done. Yesterday as the memorial service was coming to an end, I saw tears flowing freely from young classmates and friends. Tears on the cheeks of teachers and family members.. each one wishing That we didn't feel so empty and alone.... someone was missing. Even though on this earth we won't meet anymore, We can look for a sweet reunion someday on that heavenly shore. Though saddened and heartbroken, a better person I'll be For having had this former student and friend .... Dusty. In loving memory of Dustin Lee Fitzer....... Mrs. Pam (Adams) West July 6, 1995. My Heart Will Go On