Despite the fact that people today are more individualistic than in the past, and that many seem to strive only for material and status-related achievements, helping each other is one of those values that enrich us inwardly and give us hope in our humanity.
This is not just a utopian thought, as I know quite a few people who live this value. Among them is Slavica Zagernik, who has helped people in trouble many times. Thanks to her warm heart and her sense for her fellow human beings, she is quick to notice when someone is in need. If nothing else, she helps her fellow human being by talking to him or her, so that he or she can relieve his or her soul.
She recently told me a story about an elderly man who particularly stuck in her mind because he had learned some hard lessons along his life's journey that had pushed him to the brink. At a time when life was testing him, he had no one by his side because he had been divorced. However, the separation from his wife was not the biggest blow for him, as both his sons also cut off contact with him. This left deep traces of sadness and loneliness, which became even more pronounced when he retired.
In addition to emotional problems, the man was also suffering from financial difficulties, which meant he could not afford to live in a retirement home. Slavica found out about his predicament and, with the help of others, helped him to settle in the home and start a new life, despite all the obstacles.
Although it's been a few years, Slavica still visits him from time to time, bringing with her crossword puzzles that the reclusive man enjoys solving. The more complex the crosswords, the more he enjoys solving them. Perhaps this is also because he wanted to study mathematics after finishing grammar school, as he confided to Slavica in one of our conversations. Unfortunately, he came from a poor family, so the door to his studies was closed. However, his hidden desires and aspirations for intellectual pursuits remained within him, as he regularly trains his sharp mind by reading a wide variety of literature.
Slavica also likes to treat her 80-year-old friend to a little treat on his birthday, something he has never been very used to in his life. The most precious GiftSlavica gave him is that she helped one of his sons to reconnect with him after many years and now visits him several times. For this, the man is particularly grateful to her.
It was a pleasure for Slavica to be able to help. She added: »Helping others is not a one-way street, but a mutually satisfying and fulfilling experience for both the one who receives and the one who gives."
Mateja Sekavčnik, 20. 8. 2025
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