I would like to thank everyone who has written so many nice things about Dustin. You will never know what a comfort you have been to his family. Everyone has been so kinds to us in every way. Your calls, visits, and prayers have held us up during this time.

From the moment you heard about the accident,you came to the hospital, our home, the funeral home and our church home. I know that many of you still visit the cemetery. Words will never be able to express to you our appreciation but please know that from our hearts we are so grateful.

For those friends of Dustin’s who have come to know Christ Jesus as your saviour since his death, you are in our prayers daily. We pray for your spiritual maturity as you study the Word and serve Christ throughout your life.

Candy

Everything that I have read about Dustin is so true. I was his Excel teacher. The frist day day when he came to my class he greeted me with a smile and stated” I am so glade Mr. Binns I am in excel with you”

Not once, but every day when he entered my class he spoke, gave a warm smile and a hug. When he left at the end of the class, he would say”Have a good day Mr. Binns “and he gave me another hug.

I taught his mother Tina, years ago, She too was so sweet and loving. When Dustin came along and his sister Rebecca, It was obvious that they had the personality of their mom.

On that Monday during a faculty meeting, I was called to the office by another student who felt that I should know what had happen to Dustin. As I spoke to the caller Brittany Flemister, I said ” calm down and lets pray for him”. When the faculty meeting is over I will be right there!

At the end of the faculty meeting a teacher stood and said Dustin Ferguson has just passed away! I felt myself getting disoriented and an increase in blood pressure. The instructor that announced his passing had receive a text message from some one.

I kept saying to myself, this is just a mistake, small town gossip!

As I left the building to go to my car, I was met by many students . They all said the same thing. “Did you hear about Dustin”?

My mind quickly went back in time to Chris Ivy, my buddy Thomas Bostick and others. I have been blessed to have taught 34 years in the Monticello School District.

My students respect me as a teacher, and they know that I am a friend also. NONE have crossed the line. Dustin like so many didn’t mine giving me a hug. as so many in he past have done.

Just a few more comments. What ever it is that my students see in me, like Dustin, I thank the Lord! They talk confidentially to me and dont have a problem saying I love you Mr. Binns. Thank you for being here for me.

I am fifty five years old and it seem like there is something wrong with this picture. Once more, I taught the mom, the son and the daughter.

If it were left to me, I would rather have the Lord take me, than to see my students leave this world so young.

I am one that would lay down his life for a friend!

I have been a pastor for 30 years, and have either sung at a funeral or gave the eulogy. In this case I did neither. This was a good thing as I struggled from day to day in the classroom, looking at my students, and wondering ” Lord? will I see them tomorrow!”? It is a hurt that I cannot explain.All I know is that it doesn’t get any easier when I hear of one of my students passing.

I pray for the strength of the family, but most of all I pray that young people will give and devote their lives to serving the Lord. Be ye well assured, this is only the beginning of the beginning.