A Tribute to David Custer

Mr. Custer was my high school choir director. He taught me how to work; how to work extremely hard. I had been struggling with this for years after high school. I used to think, "Maybe I'm just not talented enough." "Maybe this (performing) thing isn't my calling in life." "Maybe they (the directors) just don't like me." But the truth is, the hard truth is, maybe I just wasn't working hard enough. Maybe I just wasn't practicing enough. Maybe I was doing too much dreaming and not enough working.

Two weeks ago I received a text from one of my greatest friends. "Call me. It's about Mr. Custer." My heart sank deep into my stomach. I knew what she was going to say. Don't you hate that feeling? You almost want to be wrong, every time. I quickly called her and she confirmed it- "Mr. Custer passed away last night." I consider myself extremely fortunate to have almost made it to 30 without losing too many people close to me. But this one has hurt the most. You see, he wasn't just any ol' teacher. He was one of those teachers whom, after you graduate, becomes your friend.

The thoughts & feelings inside my head are so jumbled and I really, really want you to understand why Mr. Custer meant so much to me. David, a fellow HS choir member and friend, has said it so perfectly that I encourage you to read his version. Here is his wonderful tribute to Mr. Custer. You'll see why we loved him so much and why we will miss him so terribly. It also includes a beautiful song written by David & Charles Barksdale.

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WHEN YOUR HEROES DON'T DISAPPOINT YOU - VOL 3: NO REDOS! 

BY DAVID DAVILA

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