He loved big.
A son, a warrior, a brother, and a dad, Daniel Bailey loved BIG! His huge heart didn’t judge. During his twelve-year journey with substance use disorder, Daniel hit the streets, slept under bridges, hopped trains, was shot, stabbed, and was associated with gangs. Daniel did not want anyone in his family to see him in active addiction. His mom never gave up on him and Daniel knew he was always one phone call away from help. His journey was one that had his mother on her knees, crying out to God to save him.
His family loved him, but some were angry about what substance use disorder did to him; the lying, stealing, and extreme behavior. He could be scary when he was on drugs. “There was literally nothing I would not have done to keep him breathing,” Ann said.
But it wasn’t always like that. Daniel loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing hockey, drawing, and doing yo-yo tricks. His dog, Goose, was his best friend and music was his therapy. When his travel team made the nationals, the entire family headed to New York, then on to Niagara Falls and the Hockey Hall of Fame in Canada. Every fourth of July was spent at his great grandma’s house located on the parade route, where they shared good food and had water fights with the local fire department as the trucks passed by.
At times, Daniel held down jobs and was lauded for his strong work ethic. He worked in roofing and used his art skills to do screen printing. He was quickly bumped up to a management position. At the time of his death, he had a job, a car, and an apartment and had been in recovery for a time.
His daughter, Amery Rose Bailey, was his everything, his #One. From the day Amery was born, she took his whole heart. “It was the most beautiful thing I ever witnessed,” his mom said. Daniel told her, “Mom, she is so perfect.” He was 100% focused on keeping Amery safe, healthy, and well-loved, and he succeeded. They swam in his mom’s pool and played carpet ball together while Goose jumped up on the table. Amery still has the giant unicorn her dad gave her for her birthday and often reads the words on the memorial bench in their yard that says: No longer by our side, but forever in our hearts.
One of Ann’s treasured memories is from her birthday in September 2020, two months before Daniel had a relapse and died. He left the treatment center early to go to work so he would have time to take a birthday picture with his mom; the only gift she wanted. She had her boy back, and her heart was full. “It’s as if the Lord knew I would need that,” Ann stated.
Amery, now ten, is being raised by her grandparents. She participates in the work of the non-profit that Ann started, one that Daniel had hoped to be a part of. They hold overdose awareness walks on Daniel’s birthday annually, memorial events on Overdose Awareness Day, educate various groups, and distribute overdose reversal drugs across counties in Iowa. “I will speak to anyone who will listen,” Ann stated. “I have nothing but love to give. I do these things to honor my son. The Lord has me on a mission, pouring pain into purpose.”
Daniel’s mother, Ann Breeding, provided the information for this narrative.
May 20, 1991-November 1, 2020-Age 29
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
