My young family wanted to run a marathon in Ljubljana, and as a grandmother I went along to look after my grandson while his parents ran. That is always a pleasure for me.
When we are in Prešeren Square submitted by parents, the three of us went to Tivoli Park with the pram. Before that, my son put his car keys in the pocket of the pram and, as I didn't think it was the safest place, I put them in my bag, as well as the mobile phone in my care. In Tivoli, the two children were playing happily, in fact, they were enjoying themselves. We were also joined by the wife and son of a Makarovič acquaintance, because his dad was also taking part in the marathon.
After the event, my young family did not intend to return home to Goriška, but decided to continue their journey to Gorenjska. So I decided to return home by bus, but I was offered the opportunity to go with the Makarovič family, which was a pleasure, because they are very nice young people. Not only that, they are very knowledgeable and I always learn something new from them.
When we were leaving, my son took my mobile phone out of my handbag, but I had forgotten my keys in all the excitement, and my son was convinced they were in the pushchair. We headed for home, and my son and his family headed for Tivoli, as his car was parked by the railway in the Rozhni Valley.
During a pleasant conversation with the Makarovs, we were already approaching Razdrté when I was rummaging in my handbag for something to make their little son's driving more pleasant when I jam the car keys. I almost had a stroke!
"Nothing," said Kostja calmly at my defiance, "we'll go back to Ljubljana!" I felt extremely bad, angry with myself and helpless at the same time.
Luckily, my son's family was still having fun in Tivoli and had no idea they didn't have the keys. At least they were spared the stress. We met at the car, handed over the keys and drove back to Nova Gorica.
It is hard to describe the feelings I had for Kostja Makarovic, a PhD in chemistry; shame mixed with immense gratitude. I thought frantically how I could repay the favour, and his reply was: 'If people didn't help each other, we wouldn't be human anymore!' And he didn't even want to hear about me returning the favour in any way. I was particularly annoyed that his little son Lev had to suffer so much longer in his car seat.
Indeed, it is hard to put into words my deep gratitude!
Darinka Kozinc
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