HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
“I think the Australian public have taken and embraced that little boy because of his eyes and his smile. In every photo they pick up, there’s that happy kid.”
Not a truer word was said, Mr Bruce Morcombe.
Daniel Morcombe. Image via The Courier Mail.
Those blue eyes, that beautiful smile. They have been in Australian hearts for a long time, and nine years to the day since the 13 year-old went missing at a bus stop on the Sunshine Coast, Daniel Morcombe has finally been laid to rest.
Thousands attended the funeral service at Daniel’s old school Siena Catholic College in Sippy Downs, and it’s fair to say that millions of people around the country spent some time today thinking of that happy kid, and sharing the Morcombe’s pain.
“Even though we’ve had years of mental preparation, suddenly we had to go to a funeral director and have a look at a coffin and organise flowers and pick a grace plot at a cemetery,” Mr Morcombe told The Courier Mail in Brisbane.
“Even though we’ve had years of knowing ‘well, he isn’t coming home’ we had never done any of that – not one bit.
“It’s horrible doing that for your own child. It’s still bad preparing for a funeral for an elderly parent but you know that’s part of life’s cycle.
“For a kid it’s not the way it should be.”
After Daniel’s disappearance as he set off on a shopping trip to buy Christmas parents for his family on December 8, 2003, Bruce and Denise Morcombe became the prominent faces of a child safety campaign, using their own private agonies to help others with grace and fortitude.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe promised to “never give up.” Image via The Courier Mail.
“On the evening of Monday December 8, 2003, I silently promised to him I would never give up,” Mr Morcombe told The Courier Mail.
They never did. The began a child safety crusade and started a foundation in his name. Their relentless searching made sure Daniel Morcombe became the highest profile missing person Australia has known.
And Denise Morcombe never stopped looking for her son’s face in a crowd – for almost eight years – until October last year when his remains were found.
Brett Peter Cowan, 43, has been charged with child stealing, deprivation of liberty, indecent treatment, murder, and interfering with a corpse. His committal hearing is adjourned until February.
Yesterday the Morcombes called on mourners to wear red – the colour of the t-shirt Daniel was wearing when he went missing – and to remember the life he lived, and not his terrible death. Daniel’s older brother Dean, and his twin brother Bradley will be among the pallbearers.
Said Denise Morcombe: “I’m not looking forward to walking into that church and seeing the casket there. When they carry Daniel out – that’s going to be the saddest part.”
“We are all better people for having Daniel come into our lives,” Mr Morcombe said.
“I have probably been a better father to Daniel in the last nine years than I was in his first 14.”
“It is a sad reflection but I, like most fathers, wish I had spent more one-on-one time with him and cherished those moments.
“This has been a huge motivating factor in my relentless search for the truth.”
Daniel Morcombe would have turned 23 the week after next. May he rest in peace at last.
* Bruce and Denise Morcombe have asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, which is active in child safety education and aims to prevent a tragedy like this happening again. Visit the site here.
11 Responses to this article
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Siham Owen December 7, 2012
What a sad day for he’s family may he rest in peace and watch over other kids so the same fate doesn’t happen to them. God bless you on your journey into he’s kingdom..
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Miles December 7, 2012
What a well written, touching piece. It will be a tough, but important day for the Morcombe family and friends.
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Airdre December 7, 2012
My twin brother died recently, unexpectedly, and I know the pain and hollowness that Bradley will be feeling. My heart goes out to him and the family. Airdre
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Georgia December 7, 2012
Sending love to Daniel’s spirit and to the Morcombe family x x
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Jules December 7, 2012
I see my son in his eyes. What a gorgeous boy. His parents are the epitome of strength, courage and commitment to their son. He would be proud of them. Daniel, I will donate in your honour in the hope that no other child will have to endure what you did. Rest in peace you beautiful soul.
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Nikki @ Styling You December 7, 2012
He attended my kids’ school and that school did an amazing job getting everything organised and set up to honour Daniel and the Morcombe family today. I live in an amazing community.
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Glenis December 7, 2012
You wonder how anyone, especially the parent,s has the strength and courage to go on after this has happened……..but they must. The whole Morcombe family are just so special…..they have had to be. I just cannot imagine what it has been like and I feel teary just reading the articles written about them and their son. R.I.P. finally Daniel. So many people have been touched by you and what your family have been through.
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Carolyn December 7, 2012
I’ve just finished using the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety curriculum in my Year 2 classroom. The kids really related to it and I hope, benefited from the messages contained in its delivery. That they continue to be aware, recognise, react and report ANY TIME they feel unsafe, is my wish. I will continue to ensure in my own way,that no child I teach will need to be subjected to what Daniel endured. R.I.P.
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ro.watson December 7, 2012
I have been thinking about Daniel and his family,all day, since I read this article. RIP Daniel. Words fail.
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Mary Fox December 8, 2012
What a sadness that encases Australia today,and the last 9 years of his abduction.I have nothing but admiration for the Morcombe family and their community in what they have achieved and accomplished in order to make all children safe in their communities.Rest in Peace,darling Daniel,you are with God now,and I will never forget the photograph of you with that beautiful smile and gorgeous eyes. Love and Prayers to the family,friends,and school community of his home town.God Bless You Always from Scotland.United Kingdom.
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anne louise December 9, 2012
I just can’t think of the words to say… I haven’t been able to express the sympathy I have for Daniel’s family since he first went missing. They are such strong people. Such an unbearable burden.
