30 Days of Remembrance: Danny Frawley
As a young boy, Danny Frawley loved scouts and camping. He was a loyal friend, loved to laugh, and was never afraid to give his dad a hug in public. His parents taught him to never be ashamed to show you love someone. And that is what Danny is most remembered for…helping, loving and supporting others including family, friends & even strangers who became friends. Even while facing his own personal struggles and addiction, Danny was always helping others.
Danny is remembered for his big bear hugs, which could heal any wound, physical or emotional. He always knew what to say to make one’s heart whole, and he brought humor to even the darkest moments. Danny had a special gift for reading people. He could see and feel things that others would overlook. One felt comfortable confiding in him because he was such a caring and charismatic guy! To all who knew and loved him, and who were blessed by his caring soul, Danny was someone who left an everlasting loving mark.
Danny was the apple of his younger sister, Cassie’s eye, and protector of her heart; having guided her through life experiences. Her big brother was her confidant and her friend. Cassie shares this: “Growing up, my brother Dan was my best friend. We had a nine-year age difference, so he played a strong caregiver role for me; teaching me to ride a bike, how to hold my breath in our backyard pool, eating the meals I didn't like so that I could leave the dinner table, and often taking blame for things that I did, etc. I admired him for many things, but mostly for his courage to wander and journey for purpose. I saw beyond his addiction; he was my favorite human. It’s taken me a long time to fully comprehend the trauma he must have endured in his short life. I often wonder how things might look now if he had stayed sober. I was only 18 when he passed, so I was only just beginning to discover who I was. Losing Danny affected our entire family and life just isn’t the same without him. There’s an emptiness at family gatherings, an awkward silence where his laugh used to be, and memories being made without him. All we have left are pictures and videos, which seem so small the more we create as life goes on. I can still hear Dan's cackle in the back of my mind when I see his smile in photographs, and it warms my soul. A few years ago, myself, my husband and son traveled to Alberta to see the Rocky Mountains, where Danny lived for a short period of time. While there, I somehow lost an important photograph of him that I've carried throughout all of my travels since his passing in 2014. I said, "if we don't find it, he's meant to stay in the mountains". My husband searched and found it along a road we had been on, but then we somehow lost it again. I think he was meant to stay and continue wandering. He is never forgotten; he lives on in all the lives he shaped; igniting change and spreading compassion.”
Danny’s hopes and dreams included recovery from addiction, getting married, securing employment, and reconnecting with his family. Some of his hopes and dreams were fulfilled, while others were on their way to being fulfilled, prior to his untimely passing in 2014.
Daniel (Danny) Frawley, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, husband, stepfather, friend, supporter, NA sponsor and employee – is sorely missed and will never be forgotten by all who adored him and whose lives he lovingly impacted.
Happy 40th Birthday to Danny in Heaven, August 28th.
