this film captures so beautifully the mundanity of living in an asian family; where elders come first; where there are hierarchies of love that translate into hierarchies of resources (or vice versa); where, despite it all, we share a bond that is near unbreakable. this film made me wonder what part do love and duty play within that bond; the dynamics between connection and obligation. i think it's different for every person and every relationship.

care and kindness shown in actions, even if it's not always received as it's meant to—that's how most asian families show love.
love, love, love. this year has been a very eye-opening one, in that i've now learnt that love can not be boxed. there are too many kinds of it, too many people to pour it out into.

to be perceived is so very perplexing. on the other hand, to perceive other people is a labor that takes time, space, opportunities, and, yes, love.

and i've been thinking about how rarely i put this labor into my family since i watched this movie.

my grandmother doesn't have much time left. but she's a whole person who's lived a whole life, right there waiting to be known and understood. same goes to my grandfather, my father, and my mother.

maybe there's time left. but maybe there's not much love left. maybe it will be enough. maybe my heart will be generous enough to share the leftovers instead of letting her eat it alone.