An illustration I completed during yesterday's stream for mother's Day. I'e been playing a lot of Persona 5 recently, and this depiction really felt relevant to me (though explaining why would require spoiling a bit of plot).

Statistically, I'm sure there are many of us who have a dead parent. And I'm sure we've all had people like to say things like "would your mother be proud of the person you'e become?" or "your mother would be turning in her grave if she could see you now". Admittedly, I've been on the receiving end of such words quite a bit recently...

People are quick to invoke the name of a dead loved one when things are going less than perfect. For that reason, I really resonated with Futaba's story. Her life spiraled into isolation and agoraphobia because she was made to believe she was a nuisance to her mother, and was the reason her mother committed suicide. It turned out that this couldn't be further from the truth.

No one can speak the dead. They spoke for themselves when they lived. They loved you unconditionally and and accepted you for everything that they were, good and bad. Their love is not a weapon to be used against you, so don't live for the approval of those no longer with us.

Just carry on knowing they loved you.