Akari

What is Family?

___ My grandfather; I took one last picture when he was still able to walk. I didn't back it up and my sd card ended up being corrupted. Yet I can see this picture anytime I want. When I close my eyes, I see the dark night again. The steam rising from the ground. The deep orange from the old light that illuminated the driveway. My grandfather looking at me, smiling, wearing a cap as always and an old, worn-out flannel. After he became unable to walk, he still lived for 2 more years but the heavy medication made it really difficult for him to continue being our grandfather. I miss my grandfather. His (and my grandmothers) role within my life was that of a safe haven, whenever I needed some distance from my parents. It only took about 4 hours to get to their place by train so I would visit often. When I was unsure about my studies and my future, I took some time off and stayed with them for a few months. They helped me rediscover myself and pursue the things I identify with. When I came back from their place, I returned with clarity and pursued the things I valued. This is a similar story.

What is good about it?
It's delicate. Just as the mosaics that our characters create, so are we composed of many different, sometimes even seemingly incompatible, colors. The older generations that we have access to can be a guiding hand in figuring out our colors and our shapes. We are like glass. If we aren't careful, we might shatter through our own actions. Working with a wiser person that deeply cares about us and loves us unconditionally is a way to harmonize our colors, see our shapes and handle ourselves with just enough care to not break under the pressure of reorganizing our lives. In a way the theme of this work mirrors the aim of it. What do we want to create?

What wasn't so good?
It was too short. I wish we could have gotten to know some of the characters more and explore some relationships a bit deeper. Besides that, this work gives off a very wholesome feeling. There could have also been more colored pages but I think I'm just being greedy at this point. It's such a dear and sweet work. I quickly reread it for this review and was immediately brought to tears again.

Should you read it?
Most definitely. Something I haven't mentioned is the fact that this work allows for a reading from akaris view but also from the grandfathers point of view. They both needed each other in their time together to become whole again. If you have some difficulties with your immediate family, this work can give you hope to maybe find the support you need within your extended family. I always felt that I had a weird sense of humor and too strong a sense of justice but seeing the same traits within my grandfather gave me confidence to accept myself a bit more. Whenever I got into fights with my teachers I remembered how my grandfather was kicked out of school for refusing to parrot state propaganda. Having him in my life made me feel human in a more and more inhumane world.

What exactly is family?
The author asks, not only at the end of the work, but all throughout it. I have my answer and the author has their answer as well. But what is your answer?