We arrived at Lake Rakitna, where we went for a long walk. After a good hour of walking, we decided to stop and have a coffee at a nearby restaurant by the lake. As our sons were getting quite hungry, we fed them.
My son rarely had problems with breastfeeding, so we didn't add formula very often. I never took it with me when we left home. But that day he was clearly different; he didn't want to feed at all. The very kind staff even referred us to the quiet hotel reception, where they had a nice armchair, so that we could have more peace and quiet, but to no avail.
I was on the verge of tears because the little one was crying so hard because he was really hungry. I knew he would drink formula milk, but I did not have it with me and we were at least 40 minutes away from home by car. When Petra came to see how we were, she said, "Don't worry. I always have two scoops of adapted milk with me just in case. I'd be happy to give it to you! My little boy has already eaten a big meal and he will make it home without any problem."
When you are in need, sometimes it is hard at first to accept help because you feel guilty or incompetent, but Petra reached out to me without judgement, hugged me and told me, "You are the best mother. It is perfectly normal to forget something now and then. I don't even have half a shopping centre with me, just so you know. I forget things too and then I feel bad. Don't worry, you learn everything. Next time you will save me or someone else."
And that was all I needed; a sincere hug and a kind word. She happily prepared a bottle of hot water with milk, which the little one took in a moment. deleted.
I have learned that mistakes are part of everyday life. Nobody is perfect; not even my mother who tries to get everything right. Mutual help, compassion and understanding are not only shown in great deeds, but also in small moments like this one.
A few weeks later, when Petra and I met again at Rakitnica Lake, I told her return the favour. A distracted dad came by, carrying his baby in his arms. He told us that he had forgotten a fresh nappy at home, which his daughter desperately needed. I immediately reached into my bag and gave him two nappies and a packet of wet wipes. The gentleman was very grateful and I was happy to be able to help. This simple act was not only useful, but was accompanied by a sense of values spreading among people; from one to another in a way that allows growth in a community where people help each other.
Nuša Želko, 7. 4. 2025
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