Family.
Now there is a word to start my first post off for 2016.
It's the most important word there is after all.
It's what life is really all about.
A life to love, to experience, to adventure, yes; but at the end of the day it's who we let into our hearts that truly count. Whether the people surrounding us (physically and figuratively) are blood relatives or friends, to me they all come under the same word. Family.
My grandad taught me that. My amazing and incredible grandad who passed away in his home, surrounded by the love of his family on the 30th December 2015.
I've no words to describe my level of heartbreak, only that it is a small price to pay, however painful, for everything he gave me. He taught me how important life is, especially in his last year. He left us with a family bound by his love and our love for him. That was his gift to us, a gift that cannot be taken away.
I could write forever about my grandad, but what I want to do is instead show you a video. A glimpse into my grandad and his beautiful, simple legacy, family.
The video captures a weekend of all our family together celebrating my grandad's 80th birthday. A birthday we had been warned by doctors he might not make. He did, and we weren't surprised. My grandad wasn't going to give up this life easily. He was a fighter.
I'm so happy that my grandad, himself, got to see this video. His first response was, people need to see this. I don't think he was talking about yourselves in that moment, per say, but I knew what he meant. He was so proud of his family and everything he had achieved, I think that's what he wanted people to know. To gift people with the simple knowledge which is to love and cherish those dear to you. Do that, and you can't go wrong.
So this blog is for you, grandad. My most favourite reader of all. A man who read every post I ever wrote and would complain when I didn't update ;).
I love you more than words can say, and I will keep writing for you.
FAMILY from Claire Stewart on Vimeo.
Beautifully written Claire, Grandad loved reading your blog and this is a lovely tribute to him and he would be so proud of you. Love you so much Aunty Julie xxx
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DeleteAbsolutely beautiful, Claire. I see more video in your future, it's a powerful medium. You were able to perfectly capture his love for his family. And I'm glad you got in there too. Sending more hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, lovely. I'm so pleased I captured this moment in time for my family, and when the boys are older xx
DeleteSo much love and smiles in this beautiful video...it made me cry happy tears. His legacy will live on in all those precious faces. Heaven gained an angel but he is with u all everyday here too. God Bless You Grandad George it was lovely to meet you. -Julie-
ReplyDeleteAs always, Julie. Thank you xx
DeleteThis is a lovely and poignant film which made me cry. It is beautiful to see all the generations of a family together. Treasure the memories. It will be wonderful for your boys to watch this back when they are older.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch xx
DeleteClaire, I don't think I've ever commented on your blog before but I love it for your honest writing, which just oozes love. This video made me cry, for the way you captured your grandad's inspirational spirit, the music, everything. He looks so very loved. It's ten years since my grandad passed away and I see him every day in my little boy who's Archie's age. Thanks for sharing this. You did him proud xNadia
ReplyDeleteNadia, thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment. It is a true pleasure to have here, and it makes me so glad a shared something so dear to my heart xx
DeleteSimply beautiful! Your granddad had such a warm and sweet face.... He was right to complain when you didn't update, I love reading you and was afraid you would stop. So Caire today, you put a smile on my face ;-) Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat is so kind of you to say, thank you! I've promised myself I'll allow more time for this little space of mine. So lovely to have you here xx
DeleteWow! I don't have words, I'm just crying, this is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI've just come across your blog (a little late to the party!). I've just made the mistake of watching this video whilst at work and I'm currently fighting back tears at my desk. So beautifully put together and really does make you appreciate the little things.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving us a glimpse into your little family and the love surrounding you all. xx