Ask the Author: Slade Combs
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Slade Combs
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Slade Combs
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[Great question Karen! Let me give it a shot...
I’m interested in how family ties create connections. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? it’s fascinating to see the emotional reaction of celebrities when they learn about their deceased ancestors. They’ve never met them, of course, but once they learn about their history, there is a visible connection that is undeniable (one of the reasons the show is so fun to watch).
I think Chris has yet to find this kind of connection with his great-grandparents. He knows about them, but he hasn’t done enough research for their “voice” to be particularly familiar (though their presence may indeed be felt). However, Jonas’s presence is extremely familiar, and the tragedy of his death is at the forefront of Chris’s mind. Also, if you remember, Michael tried to reach out to Chris on the airplane, but his voice wasn’t as “familiar” as Jonas’s either. Interestingly, Michael was able to help Charlie when he was suffering inside the kitchen, but Charlie had asked for help just moments before. Charlie was willing to listen. Sadly, Chris wasn’t.
But to your point, I also think there is a connection between friends, sometimes just as strong—if not stronger than certain family relations. “Friends are the only family you can choose” I once heard someone say. Perhaps that’s true for Chris and Jonas—friends for eternity, separated for a time. (hide spoiler)]
I’m interested in how family ties create connections. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? it’s fascinating to see the emotional reaction of celebrities when they learn about their deceased ancestors. They’ve never met them, of course, but once they learn about their history, there is a visible connection that is undeniable (one of the reasons the show is so fun to watch).
I think Chris has yet to find this kind of connection with his great-grandparents. He knows about them, but he hasn’t done enough research for their “voice” to be particularly familiar (though their presence may indeed be felt). However, Jonas’s presence is extremely familiar, and the tragedy of his death is at the forefront of Chris’s mind. Also, if you remember, Michael tried to reach out to Chris on the airplane, but his voice wasn’t as “familiar” as Jonas’s either. Interestingly, Michael was able to help Charlie when he was suffering inside the kitchen, but Charlie had asked for help just moments before. Charlie was willing to listen. Sadly, Chris wasn’t.
But to your point, I also think there is a connection between friends, sometimes just as strong—if not stronger than certain family relations. “Friends are the only family you can choose” I once heard someone say. Perhaps that’s true for Chris and Jonas—friends for eternity, separated for a time. (hide spoiler)]
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