In the Uk we have a programme called Grand Designs. It is probably shown all over the world but for anyone who has never seen it, it is a house building programme. Kevin, the guy who presents it is lovely and really knows his stuff architecturally. Projects vary from conversions to experimental new builds and everything inbetween. This programme has never ever made me cry before though.
Last nights programme began as normal. Kevin visited the house builders, a particularly lovely young couple with kids and looked at the site and discussed the plans. Except there was a twist, the husband had been diagnosed with stomach cancer one week before this first filming. He died six months later.
The wife decided to carry on with the build. The change in circumstances required a considerable redesign. The husband was able to see the final plans before he died.
The finished house was beautiful. A real home.
Listening to Kevin and the wife talk about the finished house was moving. Te wife had found herself incorporating finishing touches that were to the husband's taste rather than hers, like the patterned tile sin the kitchen. It was clear that he was very much present in the house, as all the familar things had been bought to the house.
Kevin added to this though and stated that the husband was in the very house itself, in it's design, it's walls. This sent shivers through me. The house was such a strong statement of love and caring, from him to her. A desire to safeguard his family and help them live happy lives once he was gone.
One of the children had had nightmares ever since his father had died. He moved in to the house and they stopped, straight away.
What a lovely family. What love.
1 comment:
What a lovely story! It is as if this house was a grand hug left behind by the dad to his family. It's really very touching, and I'm so glad they didn't stop working on it.
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