As one grandson decides to document his sick grandmothers last few months of life, he never thought her Instagram account and abilities would surpass his own.
We often judge our popularity on the number of Facebook friends we have, followers we have on twitter and Instagram, and the number of likes all of these social media portals receive. We know that the more attention our online lives receive, the more popularity we gain in our lives.
As one grandson had to soon face the reality that his best friend and role model would no longer be with him, he decided it was time to document her last few months for the world to see. He wanted everyone to see the life his grandma Betty had, and the outrageous personality that followed. He started posting photos of her around town, at home, and her daily happenings. He never thought the social media world in which we are all so accustom to would have the impact it did not only the viewers, but also on his grandmother.
18-year-old Zach Beldin, a resident was a local of high school senior in Indiana. He had found out that his grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer, and didn’t have much time left with him and his family. Beldin decided it was time to share his grandmothers warmth and love with others, so they could see not only how she lived her life but also how they should live theirs.
It started out like any other Instagram account, with a few followers and occasional likes and comments. Quickly, it grew from a few to 100. Suddenly, they had hit the 1,000 mark and Beldin was excited, but not surprised. He always knew the life his grandmother led wasn’t ” conventional”, and was happy to see others now could see also. it wasn’t until the account reached 4.400 followers that Beldin knew this was becoming a big deal. As the number of followers grew, so did the outside media attention. Before he knew it, his grandma Betty had 350,000 followers.
Not only was this instagram account an asset to Beldin, but to his grandmother as well. He now believes that she is now more instagram savvy than he is. She has learned to take selfies, post photos, respond to comments, and of course creep on her followers. Beldin believes that starting this account for his grandmother not only helped ease the pain for him, but for her. The love, support, and overall popularity she received gave her something to look forward to on a daily basis.
It wasn’t until the blue tongue photo was released, that Beldin realized his grandmother would not only live forever in his heat but also in the hearts of so many others. Grandma Betty was known for making funny faces and sticking out her tongue, but Beldin had a hard time capturing it on camera, until now. The photo posted above was taken during a chemotherapy session, and the attention is has gotten is unlike many seen in the social media world.
This photo has not only received unsurmountable likes and comments, but it has also been turned into a grandma betty trademark. That blue tongued beauty now has her own logo. In the logo you see her blue tongue, and her glasses. Now, whenever this logo pops up people all over will know the name, story, and impact behind it.
This story is one that disproves so many opinions about social media today. Older generations are able to understand and take part in the internet realm that is our generation. All they need is the right teacher, and a great photo.
YOLO 