Leslie Harter-Berg and her husband, Ryan, took their two young sons to Disneyland in April 2019. Tragically, Ryan suffered a fatal stroke during the trip, and Leslie went home a widow, she told People. Leslie poured her grief into writing and connecting with the widow community. It helped her to grow, raise her sons, and find love again. The December before Ryan died, he set up a camera on Christmas morning. Little did they know that those Christmas videos would become the most cherished memories.
Videos by InspireMore
Leslie Shared the Christmas Video on Social Media
“The Christmas before my husband died, he set a camera on a tripod and just rolled 30 straight minutes. I thought it was obnoxious. The footage is boring,” she wrote on Instagram. “Now, I’ll cherish it forever.”
In the video, Ryan, Leslie, and their boys, Wit and Rory, opening gifts, laughed, and the parents shared a sweet kiss. Leslie could never have guessed it would be the last Christmas they’d have together, but she’s so glad she has the video.
Many people cherish the same kind of Christmas and family home videos.
“My dad recorded us as kids, and I used to think it was silly, and I was super shy. Now I see how much it’s worth as a 28-years-old,” someone wrote.
“A bittersweet reminder that no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it might feel, one day the photos and the videos will be a gift,” another person added. “Sending you love!”
Others shared similar stories to Leslie.
“We did this for one Christmas, and my mom died 2 weeks later, keeping it forever. Wonderful memories,” they werote.
One follower put the most beautiful spin on the story.
“My dad died in 2016, and now thanks to you, I just realized I have hours of birthdays and Christmas home videos with him,” they wrote.
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