This happened so suddenly, and I wish I could be here to say these things and so much more in person. How do you write about your idol? Someone who gave you guidance without being there, someone who made me realize the type of a person I could be? Maybe you don't. Maybe I should talk about my earliest memories of a man that was more of a father figure than my own, a man that, without question loved me for me, a man that looked at me and knew we were closer in connection than could be talked about. This man is, and was, my grandfather. His passing makes me understand how precious family really is and how much we all need to keep a firm grip on the ones we love. I knew and met him in early childhood and then sought out my Mc-kin when I was older and was looking for guidance that only a family could give. It had been years since I had hung out with James/Gramps, playing crash up derby cars, drinking root beer for me and probably a real one for him, and asking the questions that only a child would ask. The next time I had saw him it had been almost 20 years since we had been together and I would ask more questions and talk about the things we had in common. We sat and talked at length about a lot of things, many that I don't think he had really been asked about. The time passed and we discussed for hours the things that we both had experienced and about his service, filmmaking, and our tight bond about trying to make the world a better place. We sat in the spare room looking at old footage and talking about family and how important it was to him and me. It was these moments that made me realize that while I was working with actors and musicians that other's idolized and looked up to, My idol was sitting right in front of me and my grandfather was someone that I would always look up to use as my moral compass. He taught me things that you only learn from your elders and the people you trust. He was a man of few words and laughter when they were needed most. He was a man that loved his wife in a way I only wish to understand and that cared about all his children and grandchildren in the way that all should! They don't make men like James Cornelius McGuire anymore and the world will not be the same with him gone. I love you Grandpa and will always remember the lessons you taught me. Benjamin Xo
