Grandpa Chan's Million TikTok Subscribers

Why does the anonymity of the internet give us the boldness to say things we normally wouldn’t dare say in someone’s face?

Why do people hide behind their keyboards, and vocal captions, donning a carefree (care less?) attitude, all in the name of self-righteous freedom of expression?

With a frontal uncompromising and sometimes aggressive tone, these digital writings often garner equally strong reactions from readers, whether for or against, creating a cycle of hurtful, undignified words, inspiring like-minded and vulnerable minds to join in boisterous, hurtful calls and hate speech.

Unfortunately one can find these on social media all too often, all too ugly.

But not all is lost.

In one part of the world

I particularly love the authenticity and spirit of @drawings_for_my_grandchildren’s Instagram account.

It all started in Brazil when 75-year olds Grandpa Chan and Grandma Marina, found themselves as empty nesters. With their two children and families overseas, and the elderly couple falling into a passive Korean drama binge-watching lifestyle, Grandpa’s son suggested that Grandpa pick up his drawing activity- a once much loved hobby.

Grandpa hated the idea and refused outright. Grandma on the other hand, was a tech embracing, life-learner and avid user of Gmail, Google, Facebook and Instagram.

The turning point came when the couple visited their son in New York when their grandson Astro was born.

Grandpa cradling his newborn grandson, said “I wonder what Astro will become when he grows up”. “Why do you say that?” his son asked. “Because I won’t be around by then”.

It was sad for his son who suddenly realised that his children would not get to know their grandparents.

He had an idea: “Why don’t you draw for your grandchildren? We will call your Instagram page "drawings_for_my_grandchildren”.

Ok! I can do that. Now, Grandpa found a reason to draw!

Above left : Grandpa Chan's first drawing. Not great, but look at his progress on the right.

And so began Grandpa Chan and Grandma Marina’s life-changing journey. He became eager. His son said that Grandpa could have an exhibition and from the fund raised, he could use it to fly to meet all his grandchildren in Korea and New York.

Grandpa had something to look forward to.

Grandpa has been drawing everyday since. Drawings about his grandkids’, Grandma’s favourite things, his daily encounters, animals and nature they come across, world affairs, their childhood memories in Korea, Korean language and traditions.

Because of this project, the family connects everyday. Grandpa draws, Grandma writes the caption in Korean, and his daughter translates it in English and Portuguese.

They have now published a book of his drawings, available in several languages. They also have prints of the drawings for sale. They have a TikTok account with a million subscribers and their Instagram have reached over 410k followers!

But inspite of their popularity, Grandpa and Grandma’s stories remain humble and heartwarming, always conscious of the positive legacy that they wanted to leave for their grandchildren.

What is your motivation? What kind of legacy will we leave behind? Let's make sure it is a story of #love and #peace, whether through social media or elsewhere.

Source: All pictures belong to @drawings_for_my_grandchildren