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 Death of Our Son

     During my early years of teaching Challenge to Excellence, I thought of myself as a Youth Advocate. Now that our boys have grown and become wonderful husbands and amazing dads, my husband and I say they have “kicked it up a notch!"  Because of this, I now see myself as a Family Advocate.

     The joy we feel at our family reunions with our five beautiful grandchildren and with our sons is abundant. On May 30, 2023, our joy was shattered when our youngest son, Peter Ryan had a freak surfing accident and died on Short Sands Beach in Oregon, leaving behind him his wife and soulmate, Melanie and their two children: 14-year-old son, Brogan and 11-year-old daughter, Sierra. 

     I would never wish this devasting grief and sadness on anyone. There is a hole in our hearts that will never heal.  Peter Ryan was/is the BEST of the Shea’s.

I’m writing this Prologue for three reasons:

  1. When you read Peter’s “story” in Chapter Three, I want you to know that Peter was full of self-confidence. He didn’t care what anyone thought about him because he knew that he was worthy. He was a child of God, unique, rare, valuable, a priceless, precious Angel. When he saw a classmate crying on the steps and everyone else was walking past him – probably because they were worried about what others would think of them if they stopped, Peter Ryan stopped and that made all the difference in that boy’s life.

  2. His story is the basis of why I wrote this book. What I want for every reader is to attain that same exceptional self-confidence when you grasp the value of realizing your own magnificence.

  3. Family is the most important thing in the world. This book is a Family Communication Workbook.  My hope is that you will use these principles during these teen years to create wonderful family memories and build unbreakable bonds that will last forever.

   

      To learn more about Peter Ryan, visit The Grom Father Memorial Foundation website. You’ll understand why 300 people came to his Mass and Reception.  You will witness the incredible and inspirational impact he had on everyone he met. Our sons have started this Foundation to benefit Melanie, Brogan and Sierra and help other young families who have lost parents. 

Pray for us.

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Peter "Buck" Shea Obituary

Eulogy Given by Mike Shea

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