SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

The Bistrica woman, who I estimate to be around 80 years old, has been at Meden Hill, where the home is located, almost every day during all these years, the award ceremony pointed out. Only the "kovid" had messed up her stubble a bit, they added.

Can you imagine the incredible commitment, the steadfastness in the decision! From the very beginning of this institution, she has been committed to helping alleviate the distress of the residents, who are faced with great changes when they move in, and the resulting stress that weakens them. She was aware that many of them also needed the spiritual care they were used to in their home environment. She started prayer classes in the home chapel, where both believers and non-believers go for peace, refreshment in times of need and spiritual nourishment, and she continues to do so, as well as distributing Holy Communion for the past few years. For those who cannot make it to the chapel, she brings it to the room, thus strengthening them mentally, physically and spiritually.

Anka's subtle sensitivity enters the world of the sick, the helpless and the dying and strengthens their spiritual powers, which are crucial for maintaining a stable health and psychological state of the elderly.

Whoever gives his or her time to another gives a piece of him or herself, and that is a priceless gift.

I have known Mrs Anka "from afar" for a long time, as I regularly visit the residents of the home and we meet here and there, but I often see her on the street, on her bike or on foot. Her brisk step and smiling face are an indication of her liveliness, which is more than any young person can muster. It is this determined but gentle attitude to life that has always caught my eye.

The heart and daily involvement of volunteer Anka Peruzin with the Home inspires the staff, the residents and everyone who witnesses her dedication to the needy. The fact that what she does is worthy of public praise and municipal recognition was unanimously confirmed by the Mayor of the Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica and the management of the Ilirska Bistrica Home for Senior Citizens, as well as by the Municipal Commission, which approved the proposal.

We need to put such people on a pedestal so that their example can be emulated.

On receiving the municipal award, she received a roaring and long applause from all those who witnessed the event. After the award ceremony, I met her in the lobby of the Bystřich cultural centre in the Dom na Vidmu and congratulated her on the award, but before I shook her hand, I waited in line for a long time, because there were many of us who wanted to say a word of thanks to her for her kindness, her sensitivity and the love with which she inspires everyone around her.

Since then, I have started to visit the elderly people from our village or elderly acquaintances staying in the Il. Bistrica.

Yes, we always influence others through our actions. The hand that gives the roses is also put on, the saying goes.

Jerica Strle, 1. 3. 2025