When a family of threeโs elderly neighbor passed away to their surprise he left them something behind. After he passed one day his daughter was going through his house and brought over a large sack to the neighborโs house to deliver to them. But they could never be prepared for what was inside and their elderly neighbors one last act of kindness and love that heโd been preparing for months possibly years.
From trash to treasureโฆ
That elderly manโs name was Ken Watson, 87-years-old, and in the sack, were 14 years worth of presents he had bought for his neighbor Owen Willimans two-year-old daughter. At first, Owen thought the bag mightโve been trash he recalls to News.Com.Au,
โShe was clutching this big bag plastic sack and I thought it was rubbish she was going to ask me to throw out. But she said it was everything her dad had put away for Cadi. It was all of the Christmas presents he had bought for her.โ
Every present individually wrapped with care. This was not a strange thing for Ken to do since he did not have any grandchildren of his own so he would purchase presents for children in his neighborhood. But for the Williams family, they were shocked to receive such a kind and thoughtful gift for their little daughter. Owen states to Barry and District News,
โWe moved to the street three years ago and made a real point of going round and meeting all the neighbours. Ken wasnโt in when we first called round, but the next day we heard some banging.โ
Once Owen and his wife Caroline went through the bag they were overcome with emotion at such a thoughtful gift from their neighbor. Once Owenโs twitter post went viral Owen decided to tell the story of how his familyโs relationship with Ken grew over time. He writes,
โThereโs some press interest in this story, so let me tell you a bit about the man: Ken was a former salvage diver, seaman, carpenter, bakerโฆ The first time I met him, he was bouncing a 20ft ladder across the face of his house. He was on top. He was 83 at the time. Our dog loved him. I mean, genuine visceral love. It was mainly due to the chocolate digestive biscuits he gave her on first meeting. Sheโd scream whenever she saw him. Really scream. Like a banshee. Heโd call her โmy darlingโ and โsweetheartโ. This was there first meetingโ
As the post continued to get revenue Owen decided to ask the followers what they think he and his wife should do. Do they wait to give Cadi the gifts one by one without knowing whatโs inside or do they open the gifts pick which one she gets each year and rewrap it? The Williams were in a tricky situation, to say the least! But thankfully thousands of people had thoughts and opinions to give.
One Twitter user, @MissRachelle, shared her thoughts from reading this writing back to Owen,
โStop it Owen, no oneโs heart can take this. Plus is daughter delivered them? Oh the feelingsโฆ Take your time, he chose, wrapped and planned them, so he wanted to take his time too.โ
Another Twitter user, @rachelgwenllian, commented her suggestion to the family writing,
โOh my goodness, how absolutely lovely. What a special and thoughtful man he wasโฆ wow. My suggestion would be to follow his wishes & give a present each yearโฆ It doesnโt matter what it is, itโs the thought, the gesture, the kindness thatโs important here & to keep that alive.โ
Another user on Twitter, @JojJojoelle, wrote back,
โBeautiful. Utterly beautiful. Donโt open them, itโs the sentiment not that gift that is value. I am sure, theyโre timeless anyway. As she gets older, she will learn the invaluable lesson, that the greatest gift to receive and give, is the beautiful gift of humanity.โ
In an interview done with Barry and District News, they followed Ken Watson as he and a friend took off on an adventure to complete some unusual hobbies and sightseeing. He recalls his adventures and why he went looking for them stating,
โAfter my wife had passed away I took a long time to settle. Thereโs a space around me. I still hear her voice and speak to her. I began parachute jumping. I enjoy these sorts of things โ I feel the rush of the air. The second jump was the best. I thought โgosh Iโm an eagleโ. Wing walking isnโt scary. I looked on the computer and it said 63 was the age limit, but as long as you have a medical certificate to say you are in good health itโs all right. I think my deep sea diving days helped. When I was considering becoming a diver I remember my wife said, โIf you donโt try it you may always regret itโ.โ
Ken lived his life with passion and kindness until the very end of his days. What a truly special treat for Cadi and her parents to receive from their neighbor we are sure this family will carry his memory on for years to come.
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Our elderly neighbour passed away recently. His daughter popped round a few moments ago clutching a large plastic sack. In the sack were all the Christmas presents heโd bought for *our* daughter for the next thirteen years. ๐ข pic.twitter.com/6CjiZ99Cor
โ Owen Williams ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ๐ท (@OwsWills) December 17, 2018
