14 DAY TRIAL // A California man has learned that life is full of surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant, and they come when we less expect them. Timothy McDaniel got lucky and won a big lottery prize one day after a sad event happened in his family – he lost his wife to a heart attack.
According to Daily Mail, Mr. McDaniel bought a $1 (€0.73) “Lucky for Life” Scratchers ticket at the College Villa Market in Marysville and won $650,000 (€471,000) one day after his wife had died of a heart attack, last Saturday.
The 55-year-old man, who seems to believe in destiny, told lottery officials that the winning couldn't have come at a better time and that he believed this was some sort of sign from his late wife.
“I think she just kind of sent me this money so I could continue taking care of the (grand) kids,” McDaniel told the California Lottery.
“I didn’t expect to win. I bought three Scratchers. I saw it said ‘LIFE’ on there so I showed my nephew. I was like, ‘Paulie, what does it say!?’ He said, ‘I don’t know Uncle Tim. What’s it say?’ We were like no that ain’t real…that ain’t right. But then he read it again and I said, ‘That’s real! We won. Yahoo!” the man details.
McDaniel, who works as a truck driver, opted for the cash option and will receive a lump sum of $375,000 (€272,000) before taxes. He revealed that he planned to buy a house and a new truck and save the rest of the money.
“Everything happens for a reason and this is the break I needed. I’m going to keep on working and living my life the same I always have. The only difference is I have a big family, and now if anybody needs anything, I can help them out,” he said.