This is a man who lives a family life and has never been a stranger to family ties. He has never made a distinction between his family and his wife's family. And it is his respectful attitude and noble heart that make the relationship between him and his mother-in-law Vera worthy of any mention.
Paul had a deep respect for her. He always said to her Mum. Every time he visited her, he asked her how she was feeling. They were very fond of each other. Faith accepted Paul as her son and confided everything to him. Vera's words radiated warmth. She spoke thoughtfully and wisdom was reflected in her every word of advice. Life had shaped her into a person who knew how to recognise people's kindness and affection. She was characterised by modesty, unpretentiousness and an acceptance of gratitude for all the little moments that made her very happy.
This is why her son-in-law Paul held her in such high esteem. He admired her strength of character. He always listened to her words with sincere attention, knowing that they carried the weight of preciousness.
Paul saw his mother-in-law as his own mother. He was always ready to help her, and in the autumn of her life, his selfless help was more than welcome. In winter, he would bring her dry pieces of cut wood so that she could light the stove. It didn't matter to him whether it was firewood, food, a warm look or just his presence. His footsteps echoed calmly and deliberately, bringing reverent warmth into the home of a lady in the venerable years of her life.
He showed his concern through actions for which he never expected praise. He was not loud, his actions spoke for themselves. Vera's sons often mentioned that they had a good son-in-law. They were not jealous of him, even when she told him her innermost thoughts, "You are my son, I just didn't give birth to you!"
His warmth towards Vera was not only evident in his actions, but also in his gentle humour when he joked with her. He was never, really never, disrespectful. He knew how to find just the right amount of banter to show her that he truly loved her.
He told her countless times with pleasure, "Mum, no one can make goulash as good as you." She always smiled at these words, knowing that they came from the heart and were not just pleasantries.
Respect, interconnectedness and generosity are not just words, they are gifts that speak louder than words.
Bernarda Jenko, 23 May 2025
English (UK) 
Slovenščina 
Italiano 
Magyar