Family, love and old photographs

Now it's not that often that I write very personal posts here, particularly if they're not to do with my work - but I felt I needed to share this.

Earlier this year we lost my wonderful Grandad Michael Pidgen, and today would've been his birthday.
He was always so incredibly supportive and proud of me and my work, I remember when he was in the hospital he kept asking the nurses to bring him the card I made him (a drawing of him and me) so he could look at it.  I've dedicated my new book 'Sylvester and the New Year' to him and to my Granny, I wish he could have seen it finished, he seemed to love the first pages I showed him.  

I know everyone thinks their Grandparents are the best in the world, but I have to say my Grandad was a truly, truly amazing man.  He had so many adventures throughout his life and was probably the kindest person I've ever had the honour to know - he would absolutely light up a room and make everyone feel at ease and loved completely. 
I wish I could tell you all the brilliant stories about my Grandad, but this doesn't seem the right place - they're more tales over a cup of tea than digital words. 
It might not come as a surprise that I'm crying my eyes out as I write this, I miss him so much - so I'll stop writing and just share some beautiful old snapshots with you (note how gorgeous my Granny was back in the day!).  

 

The snapshot above was taken during my their four years living in Singapore.  To the left is my Grandad looking rather Inspector Clouseau-esque, and below are some gorgeous snapshots of my Granny when she was younger- I particularly love the one of her gossiping with her bestie!