18 Comments
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Helen's avatar

My husband died 6 years ago, tragically early, at 63. Three hundred people attended his wake, which turned out to be like a wedding but without the groom. A man much missed, he lit up every room into which he walked. With a huge smile, booming laugh, and wicked sense of humour, he was irresistible company. His was a life of true richness, value and meaning. Like your friend Paddy. A rare thing x

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Rachel Johnson's avatar

Loved this Daisy. I met Paddy and spent a few days with him en famille on Lake Como and my children were entranced by him and called him and S “the Paddies.” Trying to figure out the other one…

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Lauren Collins's avatar

Loved this, Daisy. (A long lunch with you just after I, a stranger, washed up in London—you were very much that person who took the time, and I haven’t forgotten it.)

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Daisy Goodwin's avatar

oh that is such a lovely thing to hear thank you

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Gina Ferrari's avatar

A beautiful tribute for your friend and a lesson there for us all

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Jane Dalton's avatar

Daisy, you write so eloquently about the measure of a man...a beautiful tribute to Paddy. 🩷

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Hugh Thomson's avatar

a fine tribute Daisy and a shock as I've been abroad and hadn't realised he had died... Had a lovely dinner with him and some other friends earlier this year. He had probably the most mischievous smile I've ever know even when he hadn't done anything which was always getting him into trouble...

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clare reihill's avatar

This is extraordinary Daisy, beautiful & felt piece of writing.

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Dez Scott's avatar

Beautiful, made me a bit weepy ❤️

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Stephanie Williams's avatar

This is so true. Beautifully written.

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susie corker's avatar

Thank you for sharing - you are a special person, and for that we are really grateful.

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Margaret Bennett's avatar

Beautiful writing Daisy.

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malika's avatar

What a beautiful account. I always feel like the best funerals or memorial services teach you how to live better - a friend (in her early 70s) has a stack of memorial service orders of service by her downstairs loo…!)

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Lizzie Wingfield's avatar

What a wonderful ode to generosity and spirit- and how sad that I will never know Paddy

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Amanda Craig's avatar

A wise post, beautifully-written.

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Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

This is a lovely tribute. Life isn't all about production. It's about connection.

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Lesley Anne's avatar

I loved reading this. I had been thinking about funerals and wakes earlier,as a good friend died in September. The wake was joyful,however,some are the opposite. Paddy seems to fit into the joyful category ❤️

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