Last month, Todd Heap, former NFL tight end and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, lived every parent's nightmare when he accidentally hit his 3-year-old daughter, Holly, while moving a truck in his family's driveway. The accident was fatal but the family will spend today remembering Holly's hugs.
“Holly was known to give the best hugs, and her love for everyone and everything in life was contagious,” said the Heap family on a website created in memory of their youngest child. “Let’s spread this joy as we scatter sunshine in Holly’s honor on her birthday.” Here are three ways the Heap family hopes people will join them in honoring Holly's memory today:
- Wear PINK in Holly’s honor
Make a plan to share hugs and spread love & joy through random acts of heartfelt kindness for those in your community. Smile more. Compliment somebody. Write a kind note. Share treats (or chicken nuggets). Do a free lemonade stand. Leave a bigger tip than usual. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru. Donate a book in Holly’s honor. Turn up the music and dance… the list is endless. Be creative!
Capture your family spreading joy and post your pictures using the hashtag #hugsfromhollyday
Support of the Heap family from the NFL community has been tremendous. "'Our prayers, our thoughts and our hearts are with the Heap, who have contributed so much to the Ravens and Baltimore community,’” said the Ravens organization in the Baltimore Sun. “‘We believe their deep faith and tremendous support from friends and family will help them through this unimaginable time.’" The Cardinals also added their condolences, saying the accident was “a grief that is beyond words and one which no family should experience,” reported The Washington Post.
Below are just a few posts trending on social media from those celebrating #hugsfromhollyday: