‘A little kindness goes a long, long way’
Daniel, just 35, had died in his sleep from complications caused by diabetes. His funeral was held on 24 May 2017 at Manchester Crematorium. We had orange roses – Daniel’s favourite colour – and we played Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley, as well as Daniel’s all-time favourite, Lionel Richie’s All Night Long. I struggled through the days after his death, but Lucy still came to stay each weekend, which kept me strong. When I was finally able to start sorting through her dad’s things, she wanted to help. In his wardrobe, we found hats and scarves, already packaged – my thoughtful boy had obviously started buying them, ready for winter. ‘Could we give them out, like I did with Daddy last year?’ Lucy asked. Eyes full of tears, I hugged her. ‘Of course, sweetheart,’ I promised. Kimberley started knitting orange hats and scarves, and my sisters and I went shopping to add to our collection. Then, in December 2017, I booked tickets for Kimberley and Lucy to see The Snowman.
Afterwards, we went outside, to give out the hats and scarves. It was dark, but I wasn’t nervous – I knew Daniel was watching over us.
‘Over there,’ whispered Lucy, pointing to a man in a shop doorway.
‘Excuse me,’ I said to him. ‘ Would you accept these, from me and my granddaughter? Her daddy died a few months ago, and we’re doing this in his name.’
The man was lovely. He asked Lucy all about Daniel and wished us the best.
We found more homeless people, all with sad stories, but all warmer and cosier thanks to Lucy’s kindness.
I had such a warm feeling myself, too. Daniel’s generous spirit would never be truly lost, not with Lucy to carry it on…
This year, at 65, I’ll be taking her again to hand out hats and scarves in Daniel’s memory. It’s the perfect tribute to him.
Through him and Lucy, I’ve learned that family aren’t the only people we have to look after. A little kindness goes a long, long, way, especially at Christmas.