88-year-old man launches a YouTube channel — then starts printing out every comment like a proud grandpa

The internet has become a place for people to share their creativity, and for some, the feedback and opinions matter much more than others. When an 88-year-old grandfather from Spain joined YouTube, he discovered a new source of joy in the comments viewers left on his video. Reddit user u/dirkzlatan shared that their grandfather recently began uploading videos showcasing his artwork. Wanting to save the supportive messages from viewers, he asked his grandkid to store all the comments on a USB drive.

Then, taking matters into his own hands, he went to a print shop and had them bound into a book. Now, he flips through the pages whenever he wants, rereading the words that celebrate his work. "I’ve never seen him so happy and proud," his grandkid shared. The grandkid also explained that they personally reviewed over 500 comments and filtered out the few harsh ones for their grandpa to avoid unnecessary hate. What made the moment even more touching was a small detail their grandfather never mentioned at first. The individual shared, "The truth is he made two copies of the 'book'—one was for me. I respectfully told him that I could watch it on my phone or computer anytime and that it would always be online, so now he has two copies just in case he loses one. When I got home, I started crying."

Inside the book, messages from strangers expressed admiration and encouragement. One comment read, "Maestro, your work is incredible. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Your creativity inspires so many." Another said, "I hope you continue creating for many more years. Your videos are very calming." Someone shared, "I showed your channel to my father. You reminded him of his own grandfather. He sends you a hug." Someone else wrote, "Watching you work brings peace to my day. Thank you for this beautiful content." One touching message said, "Your hands tell stories. Every movement feels like part of something bigger."

Reddit users were equally moved by the story. u/PrayForMojo_ wrote, "Gramps raised a good grandkid. You have my permission to print that for him. Or for your own book." u/Plmb_wfy commented, "Here's one more: I wish he was my Grandpa. You are incredibly lucky to have him." u/saenola noted, "Please tell your grandpa that I think he’s adorable! Share all the wisdom, art and love because this world could use more of it. Bless his soul." u/ted_theodore-logan added, "You know you'll have to make a second edition with the new comments AND the Reddit comments, right? I had never heard about grapel before and it's such an interesting form of art! You go, Mateo!!!"

u/CollinZero added, "Please say hello from Canada. He reminds me of my Papa. I don’t speak Spanish though I understand a few words. I love the way his eyes shine when he speaks. I understood when he said it takes patience. His artwork is beautiful. I hope he makes many more videos. Thank him for sharing his story. Lots of love." u/Lotuspower27 pointed out, "Good on you! I would have done the same, with the very few and annoyingly negative comments. I have subscribed."