Surviving Ryan — Pamela Ferguson

Ryan Ferguson, age 21, died suddenly from complications of a heat stroke on June 25, 2000. A communications major at the University of Arizona, he planned to graduate in 2001. People were drawn to Ryan by his ready smile, and they stayed to enjoy his sense of humor and share his zest for life, earning him a richness in friends beyond his years. More than anything, Ryan loved being the oldest brother and friend. Surviving Ryan is a tribute to Ryan and a heartfelt guide to the first year after a devastating loss. It is targeted to reach people who are grieving and also the family and friends who want to help. It includes quick checklists to use as immediate reference tools. Using narratives, personal journal entries, excerpts from Ryan's funeral service, and letters the family received, as well as clinical information about grief, Surviving Ryan tells the story of how his family learned to survive him. Woven throughout the book is the evidence of how they were lifted by their Christian faith.

PAMELA FERGUSON is a Christian psychotherapist in private practice in Irvine, California. Married to Bruce since 1974, their lives were blessed and full raising four boys: Ryan, Graham, Brady, and Dane. Snow and water vacations were family favorites, squeezed in between the boys' sporting events and their two careers. Their world changed forever on June 25, 2000, when their oldest son, Ryan, died suddenly from complications of a heat stroke. At the core of surviving this tragedy was the promise of everlasting life that God makes to all who believe in Him. The Fergusons began their journey of healing with the hope and confidence that they would all be together again. Bruce and Pam felt they were witnesses to their faith in the way that they would handle this devastating loss. Ryan had lived his life zestfully, and they wanted to honor him by learning to survive him with a joyful spirit.