SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

In our country, it is said that the soul whose grave is covered with dew is blessed. The dew did not fall on my mother-in-law's urn, although it looked as if it would, but was covered by the white flowers of the gravedigger, which the mourners threw on it as a farewell to the deceased. 

Many people came to say goodbye to my mother-in-law, who was almost 95 years old, and there were many at the funeral. I was very surprised by the number of people from Dobropolj who were among them. My elder son moved to Dobropolje near Ilirska Bistrica a few years ago and made his home and family there. When he needed help to build his house, the villagers were always there for him, and he also had the moral support of the local people, which was very dear to him. This let him know that he was accepted.

The village is alive and increasingly vibrant. It is breathing at the top of its lungs, with several young families who show promise for the future. The youngest ones hang out in the playground by the church and the village hall, where they mainly play football and basketball, but lately they have also been wandering into some of the more remote corners of the village, where they are learning the most important lessons of life, especially social skills. They are also occasionally brought together through a choir and theatre games, with children from neighbouring villages joining them on important local festivals. Seeing them so connected, so eager to write enjoyable stories together that enrich others, moves me, as I am acutely aware that they are weaving stories that will bind them together for a lifetime. This is a priceless treasure and a legacy at the same time.

The elderly people of Dobropolj are a shining example to children that style is power, as they carry out several actions throughout the year, mainly related to the preservation of local cultural heritage. The two events they like the most are the bonfire on the eve of Labour Day in May and the identical Mass on the feast day of St Florian, to whom the village church is dedicated. Firefighters from the municipality of Ilirska Bistrica, as well as from border villages in neighbouring Croatia, are invited. This traditional gathering also strengthens international ties. 

The people of Dobropoljan set up a flag for a fellow countryman celebrating the anniversary of his birth, buy him a gift and rejoice with him and his loved ones for the gift of his life. My grandson wanted a milaj for his tenth birthday, but he will have to wait another ten years for it. 

Residents are together through thick and thin; young and a little less young when it comes to working hard or celebrating. Their interconnectedness inspires me again and again, as in our environment it is the exception rather than the rule. 

Many of them came to say goodbye to my mother-in-law, which surprised me a lot. They showed that they sympathised with my son, their compatriot, and with his family, and that touched my heart. Words sting, examples pull, my mother always says. The example of cooperation between the older villagers is being followed by the youngest Dobropoljans, which promises a kind future for the village. Here we can hope for a hearty and healthy generation, which I am very much looking forward to, because my son's family is also part of this emulated story. 

Jerica Strle