The man who fatally injured another man whilst drunk driving has been offered forgiveness by his victim’s grieving mother, 19 years after it happened.
Daniel Danais was just 20 years old when, driving drunk through the streets of Weymouth, Greater Boston, he hit a man riding a bicycle.
Frightened and intoxicated, 20-year-old Daniel fled the scene, thinking the worst.
It was this accident that left 39-year-old David Scannell in an unshakable coma – one that he stayed in for over nineteen years, being cared for by his mother.
Last week, after years of pain and anguish, David passed away.
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
At David’s wake, a now 40-year-old Daniel Danais attended the funeral to face his actions – but, instead of anger and hatred, Daniel was offered forgiveness.
“I did an awful thing. I can’t take it back,” said Danais, “It was the least I could do. It’s about Mrs Scannell … I love her for the fact that she forgave me and she’s a loving person.”
Of the act, David’s mother said it was natural.
“I said, ‘You know David’s free, and now so are you. It’s over. You don’t have to think about it,’” said David’s mother.
“’You spent 19 years thinking about it, regretting it’.”
“Daniel was overwhelmed with grief and remorse,” said Barbara of Daniel, “I had David [at her house], I was taking care of him … He was totally hopeless and his care was 24/7 and [Danial] came into the room to see David. He just all but fell apart.”
According to one of David’s brothers, Daniel is “completely forgiven”.
“He’s been completely forgiven,” he said, “It’s a testament to the power of love and forgiveness.”
Daniel spent a number of years in prison for his actions and is now the father of an 18-year-old girl.
