I often speak of the inspiration that my grandfather was to me, but there is someone else who deserves equal admiration. That is his wife and my grandmother, Beryl Clarence. Not only do I admire her for her artistic ability, but her remarkable character.
My gran is a very talented artist. It's no wonder I have such a love for artistic expression. She is still painting to this day, at 92, with her hand as steady as ever. She paints with such ease and familiarity, as if the brush was a part of her. Each stroke is so effortlessly beautiful. Her paintings are a comfort to me. There are many of them in my parents house so she is never far from my mind. Looking at them makes me feel as if she were right here with me. Unfortunately, we have been separated by a great distance my whole life as she lives in South Africa. I have been so blessed to visit there and have her visit here. My fondest memories of travel and family have been with her. From beach side visits, to painting afternoons in the Drakensberg, to endless laughter and fun playing cards. She is such a blessing to my family and to everyone she knows.
She is such a beautiful and compassionate woman. I have never once felt like I needed to measure up or that I wasn't good enough. There is only ever love and acceptance. I don't know if she knows this, but she has been a huge role model for me. I have so admired her growing up, especially her strength. She is one of the strongest people I know. I can't actually recall one moment where she has complained or become angry. She blows me away, and I pray that I am half the woman that she is one day. I miss her so much! I miss her smile and her laugh. I miss the way she winks at me and her cute way of holding playing cards. Most of all, I miss being able to be near her and tell her how much I love her.
Gran, you are a light and inspiration in my life. I admire you, your strength and your character. It breaks my heart that we are so far away, but you are always close in my heart. Thank you for loving me so effortlessly my whole life. For making me feel accepted and beautiful. Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me in everything I do. Thank you for giving me the mother I have, who loves me without fail. Thank you most of all for being who you are, because who you are is truly beautiful. I love you more than you could ever know and will continue to be inspired by you, for the rest of my life.......
