SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

To save money, I only drove when it was absolutely necessary. I did not know at the time that this habit would one day lead to a big problem.

That day I had to go down into the valley. When I got in the car and turned the key, nothing happened. My heart fell head over heels. I tried again, but the engine was silent. The car was dead. I panicked and got out and looked around. There was no one in sight.

At that time I didn't know many people in these parts, except Marica, a good neighbour who brought me vegetables and tomatoes. I thought of her son, Niko. I had seen him many times, passionately repairing old tractors, vans and inventing new things. He dreamt of his own workshop and was incredibly skilled with machines. Perhaps he could help me.

I took a deep breath and went to Marici. When I reached the garden behind the house, I stopped. There were a few people in the garden, laughing happily - they were obviously celebrating something. I was uncomfortable because I had the feeling that they would not be happy to see me. How could I now disturb their joy with my problem? But I had no choice; my distress was driving me to action. I remembered my father's words, "He who tongue-lashes, bread starves."

I gathered my courage and stepped closer. Before I could say anything, they invited me, smiling, to join in the fun. I didn't want to be late, so I told them straight what was bothering me. I explained that my car had broken down and I didn't know how to proceed.

The men exchanged glances and then, as if by agreement, put down their glasses and plates and walked with me. Among them was a mechanic - as ordered! When we got to my car, he immediately started the diagnostics. After a few minutes, he found the fault. He discovered the patient - a radio that was stealing electricity from the battery. With Niko's tools, he quickly brought the car back to life. At the same time, he taught others how to do it. I also learned how to handle the car in such cases, which really interested me. The more knowledge you have, the better.

"Now you need to drive for at least an hour to recharge the battery," he advised.

The feeling of relief almost brought me to tears. I couldn't believe how quickly they had come to my rescue and that we had solved the problem, and yet no one had charged me anything, even though I had offered money. Niko added: "If you ever need tools or help, just come. Don't hesitate."

And indeed; I came to him several times - to fill a tyre on a wheelbarrow, because the valve was always hidden in the metal of the wheel. I couldn't solve that myself, but Niko was so resourceful that he could solve that in just a few minutes. He also helped me with other jobs I was too weak to do. He never refused to help. He was always there ready to solve the problem.

Nick was supported by the universe because he was honest, consistent and selfless. He was a man who gave without expecting anything in return; like the rest of the Loviscek family. People like him are proof that there is still a world where respect and trust are values that can overcome all obstacles.

Silva Pozlep