We’d like to extend our sincere thanks for all the support we’ve received for this remembrance garden: we have now run out of daffodils. We look forward to Clare sharing images of the planting and, next spring, flowering of the bulbs. 

 

When Clare Mackintosh’s son died in 2006, a neighbour brought her a bunch of daffodils and promised it wouldn’t always hurt this much. Clare didn’t believe her, but as the years passed, those words began to bear fruit. It didn’t get better, but it did get easier. Now Clare grows daffodils – a sign of hope after a long winter – as a way of remembering her son.

 

Clare’s son was laid to rest at the church in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire – the village she grew up in. This month, she will be planting daffodils outside Haddenham Library, where she explored her love of books as a child. If you would like to remember a loved one with a daffodil in this lovely location, Clare would be honoured to plant one for you. Follow the steps below by 17 October.

 

The bulbs will be planted on 18 October; keep an eye on Clare’s social media channels for photos of the daffodils being planted, and of them blooming next year. Come spring, and in all future springs, you will be very welcome to visit.

 

Facebook: ClareMackWrites

X: @ClareMackint0sh

Instagram: @claremackwrites

 

 

If you know someone living with grief, Clare’s book I Promise it Won’t Always Hurt Like This: 18 Promises for Grief will publish in March 2024.

 

Clare’s book is for anyone who’s struggled or is struggling with grief, no matter who they’ve lost. But for those for whom it will be relevant, she’d like to recommend Child Bereavement UK, which helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity’s Helpline can be contacted on 0800 02 888 40 for confidential support, information and guidance. To make a donation to support Child Bereavement UK’s work with grieving families, please visit: www.childbereavementuk.org/donate

A snapshot of the beautiful messages we received – remembering, honouring and celebrating departed friends and family:

 

Mum, as I start planning my wedding, I miss you more than I have in years. I just have to trust that everything you’d have wanted me to know, you already taught me. I love you.

 

In memory of Erin Robyn, forever 17months and 3 days 💕

 

I would like to have a daffodil planted for my Mum and Sister; both died from breast cancer within a few weeks of each other in 2021. Thank you, Claire for offering to do such a beautiful thing.

 

 

A daffodil for Dad. Sadly lost in February 2023. A bright trumpeting daffodil always makes me smile, just like Dad did with his bounding laughter and wise words.

 

 

In memory of my mum, Nola, whose favourite flowers we’re daffodils. She passed away very unexpectedly in August 2022 and I love the thought of daffodils planted and living on in her memory this way.

 

 

In memory of my big brother Marc who said goodbye to this world in 2016 and is still loved and missed, every single day. xxx

 

 

For my friend who always listened and always kept my secrets. Forever missed xxx

 

 

For my dad, Dennis who died when I was just 11 years old. Flowers and reading were his passion. Being Welsh, the daffodil has a special meaning to us too x

 

 

In honour of my dear husband Andrew who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in January 2021 leaving behind two young children. Andrew was wonderful gardener and loved the beauty in nature.

 

 

Jeremy, our first born; we always remember you. You taught us so much in your brief 20 years on earth. You are always alive with us in our hearts. Mom and Dad.

 

 

Planting for my mum Sally. It will be coming up to the first year since I lost you. You’d love this. Bright just like you were.

 

 

For my beautiful friend Karen, who was taken too soon, we miss and love her every day ❤️

 

 

Please plant a bulb for my mum, Eileen. She passed away in 2005 of Leukaemia and planted thousands of daffodil bulbs in her community in Monmouth to brighten up the spring. She loved them.

 

 

For my darling wife Jan. A beautiful soul taken from me far too soon.

 

 

In May 2023 my husband and I lost our son Michael to senseless gun violence here in the United States. I would love if a daffodil was planted in remembrance of him. Thank you.

 

 

If you could plant a bulb in honor of my mother, Kay, I would be so grateful. She passed in 2019 and she loved flowers and books very, very much.

 

 

Please plant a daffodil in memory of my first baby who would have been 19 years old this month, sadly I suffered a miscarriage. ‘A tiny flower lent, not given, to bud on earth and bloom in heaven’.

 

 

A daffodil in remembrance of my beloved daughter Emma who brought so much love and happiness into the world. Emma who is loved and missed beyond measure. This one’s for you, kid!

 

 

In memory of my grandparents, Pauline and Eric, who brought me up like their own daughter. We couldn’t say goodbye but I hope they know how much I love them and appreciate everything they did.

 

 

My mother died when I was 24. Now my children are nearing that age I understand how she must have felt knowing she was leaving us. You learn to live with grief, not get over it, I will always miss her.

 

 

For our darling boy, Luca Bear. We will never stop missing you, my Love.

 

 

For my forever baby sister Mary-Ann, who was really my big sister, but I never got to meet her. I still wonder about who she might’ve been. I’ll always love her.

 

 

For Peter. There is no grave where I can take flowers; may this one bloom in your memory every spring.

 

 

I believe your favourite flower is a daffodil my friend. I’m sorry we weren’t as close as we once were. I’m sorry you lost your fight against cancer. You were very much loved. Xxx

 

 

I would like to dedicate this daffodil to my granddad Colin who took me aged 4 to get my first library card and introduced me to my lifelong love of books. This has made me a book blogger and author.

 

 

My wonderful dad Dennis who died suddenly in 2015. He never got a chance to meet his first grandchild who was born 4 months later.

 

 

I would like you to plant a daffodil in memory of our little daughter Lucy who died suddenly aged 8months on 17th November 1990. Our little light forever in our hearts.

 

 

My amazing Grandad, he had the kindest heart, the best sense of humour, the worst cheat at card games! He’s thought about and missed every day. I hope I’m making you proud xxx

 

 

For my much loved and much missed, Welsh Nan. We shared a love of so much including daffodils.

 

 

Remembering my angel, who was born at 23 weeks gestation. I don’t know how I found the strength to carry on, when the absolute grief crushed me. But I did. You’re with me, inside my heart. XX 💜