Is there anybody who never looked for a ‘cloud paradise’ up in the sky when young? As far as I remember my life, I have always been wondering about my destiny and happiness. As we grow up, our lives become hectic and restless. So, we gradually stop looking at the sky and into our souls. The vertical line that was so tangible in childhood disappears, while the horizontal line of daily graft and routine offers a logical down-to-earth answer: I live to realise today what I dreamt of yesterday. The goals need not be enumerated, as they have been the same since Homer’s times: hunting for treasures, questing for glory, yearning for youth undying, dreaming of a secure old age and passing away in sleep. Still, there are moments when the everyday gives way to a clear understanding that the well-set goals we dedicate our lives to are only momentary, while the real reason for living is finding our loved ones. And living in a world where giving is as blissful as getting. Or even a lot more. The domain of absolute happiness where loving is as natural as breathing is the family. The vogue of today is freedom of speech and freedom from making decisions, responsibility, and from one another. No one obliged to anyone is the refrain of modern life. In the meantime, the difference between loved ones and aliens lies in the bonds of friendship, love, or spiritual fellowship. Considering them shackles or breaking them is begetting loneliness. It stands to reason, 21st-century humans, especially big-city dwellers, do need some time on their own. Still, being alone is infinitely fine only when there is somebody to talk to about it. I’ve got no idea how to create a perfect family that will stand the test of time and live in my future son’s heart like the distinct indelible memories of my happy childhood live in mine. I still hear the music of crinkling vinyl records at dinner time and see my Dad’s loving eyes and my Mom’s wise smile as if she knew what will happen to all of us in 30 years. She kisses me good-night, and I go to bed to ‘recharge my batteries’ in my long-awaited dreams. Mom takes Dad by the hand, and they melt away in their evening conversation. This time is theirs. The family is the all-mighty power of infinite light, the wall behind your back, and the All-Forgiving and All-Understanding Creator – your parents. The family is the best gift you could ever get. And the news of your sister to be born soon. The family is Granny teaching you to read, dance, play cards, pray, and love. And the Adventure of a sudden getaway with her to a neighbouring town, without saying a word to anybody. The family is clutching Dad’s fingers with your little hands and sharing your dreams while walking by his side on a winter morning. The family is Mom’s keeping you company to watch your favourite film for the 15th time and saying she’s not at all fed up with it. The family is trusting in each other, looking forward, no matter what, to seeing each other for 20 years, fearing no difficulties, and dreaming of having a son. The family is going through all ups and downs together, losing and gaining together, hoping and believing together, and, above all, loving each other. Man has always been trying to reach for the sky. But why build ‘towers of Babel’ if Heaven is in the eyes of your dear and near ones? What do glory, treasure hunting, or eternal youth mean if you have nobody to care and gain for? And what on earth could destroy the Vertical Line of Love growing from your heart? From yours and your family’s.
