It was Coronation Timea time that no one will easily forget. On that very Sunday, which started out quite normally and pleasantly, my elder son, his family and I gathered at my younger son's house for lunch. It was that warm feeling of family that I particularly cherish. We did not know then that this visit would put us all to bed in a few days' time.
The first symptoms appeared in all of us at almost the same time. First fatigue, then fever and cough. It was confirmed - we all had corona. Suddenly we found ourselves each on their own island powerless to help each other. The weakness of the body was severe, but even worse was the helplessness, that silent pain when you know someone needs help but you can't even give them a glass of water.
During this time, contact with others was limited to telephone conversations. I had daily conversations with my distant but warm-hearted relative Tatjana Trunkl Sodin. Although we are distantly related, our relationship is warm, sincere and full of understanding. We hear each other almost every day on the telephone, and so it was that morning when I told her, a little helplessly, that we were all ill and that she should not come to my house, as it would be dangerous.
As always, Tatjana listened to me with gentle compassion and unspoken understanding. She didn't say much; just a few words of comfort, and then we said goodbye. In the afternoon, my phone rang. It was her again: 'Just peek out. I've brought you a few little things for first aid," she said in that characteristic soft voice of hers that always soothes. I opened the door and saw two big shopping bags in front of it. They contained not just a few of life's essentials, but more than that. More than a month's worth of necessities. There was compassion, tender care and that indescribable warmth that instantly embraces you and tells you that you are not alone. I was touched.
Tatiana didn't bring all this because I asked her to. She simply felt that I was in need and she took action. At a time when many were afraid of each other and human closeness was becoming rare, she took a step in the other direction; with warmth, compassion and pure, simple humanity. That is Tatjana.
Her gesture carried inestimable emotional weight. It reminded me that even in the most difficult times, there are people who know how to put others before themselves, who are not loud but leave a mark. Tatjana is one of those people. She is not only my relative, but also a person who quietly changes the world around her with her presence, kindness and care for others.
Her action meant more to me in those days than words can say. And that is why this story will stay with me as a reminder that kindness exists and that it is often found where we least expect it.
Justina Strašek, 29.6. 2025
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