In loving memory of
Brandon Wade Ferris (Jan. 4, 1985 — July 22, 2001)
It was bitterly cold on this night in 1985 when Brandon’s mother told me that it was time we should go to the hospital. It was at just about this hour that I discovered the cold was too much for my old Chevy. I couldn’t get it to start so I called an old friend, Steve Jackson, who lived just down the road at the time. He took us to MCV hospital where Brandon was born around eight the next morning. Twelve years ago, he celebrated his last birthday here on this earth. As he turned 16, he was excited about his new girlfriend, his tae kwon do competitions, his church youth group and of course, getting his driver’s license soon.
Brandon would have been 28 years old today had he survived. Alas he was lost to us over eleven years ago. He had a kind heart and got great pleasure from helping others and doing nice things for those around him. He would be pleased to know of the number of people who have written to me and told me that his story has helped them to avoid taking any chances with the drugs which were the cause of his death. It seems that even though he is gone, he is still helping others.
I often wonder what he might have done with his life were he still here among us. I have no doubt that it would have been grand! 🙂