The "shack bar", as Stanko and Marica jokingly call their kitchenette, is not a shack, but it's not a bar either. To tell the truth, this part of the outbuilding was once a stable, but a casual visitor would never have guessed it. The neatly furnished space is small, but just big enough for a solid fuel stove, a mini bar, and a table with chairs and a corner bench. Both hosts, with their spontaneous friendliness, like to invite you in for a drink and a nice word. And because a good word is a good word, the "Štala bar" has become a kind of crossroads for neighbours, friends and relatives. Yes, even the postman likes to stop by.
On that Thursday afternoon, the ambience of the room was filled with the lively chatter of four men of mature years. What was the topic of conversation? Nothing in particular: about the small everyday tasks, about the illnesses and ailments of one and the other, about what the weather was going to be like, and so on. Then Forest Jože was surprised: "Do you know that Vojko is in hospital?"
"How so?"
"Yesterday evening he got sick and called his cousin. Thank God she managed to come quickly and then, given the seriousness of the situation, called an ambulance."
"Do you know what's wrong with him?"
"Yes," explains Forest Joe, "I spoke to him today. He is in a hospital in Maribor, waiting for an operation for gallstones."
The company thinks.
We all know Vojko. He is a good neighbour and friend. He lives not far away in a big one-storey house by himself. His mother died last year. It is not easy for him, but he is bravely getting through life. He is hard-working, cultivates a little farmland and keeps cattle in the barn. Now this - illness.
Nobody says anything, but we all think: "What will happen to Vojko's cattle?"
Before anyone even asks a question, we get an answer. Forest Joe says firmly:
"As long as Vojko is in hospital, I will feed and look after the cattle!"
We know Jože too. Although few people mention his real surname. The nickname "Forest" stuck to him because of his exceptional ability and skill in forestry work. But he obviously knows his way around a barn. His willingness to selflessly help a friend resonated deep within us. There was nothing haughty in what Jože said, no expectations, no boasting or self-praise. Just a simple expression of goodness itself.
Of course, we know that Jože's action is neither an exceptional nor an isolated case. There are many similar cases in our country on the sunny side of the Alps, and beyond. And as long as this is and will be the case, there is no need for concern. We can look forward to the days ahead with joy and optimism!
Bojan Rus, 10. 02. 2025
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