Nevertheless, at such times, we sometimes don't know how to accept the hand that is offered to us, because we are ashamed of our vulnerability or are reluctant to ask for help.
Štefka Sekavčnik recounted a story about her neighbour who lived virtuously until his golden years. He was quite independent, something he was particularly proud of. Many years ago, when he was eighty-eight years old, he had an examination with an ENT specialist due to frequent nosebleeds. His residence was quite a few kilometres from the doctor's surgery, so Štefka wanted to help him by offering a lift. At first, he stubbornly refused – he wanted to walk instead, but later he relented and allowed her to drive him to the doctor.
When he arrived at the doctor's, the man told her: »Just go home, I'll walk back.« It was difficult to argue with the virtuous and independent elderly man, but Štefka knew it would be for the best if she stayed. Despite agreeing to his proposal at first, she actually remained nearby, observing what happened.
Meanwhile, the nurse arrived and called the neighbour for an examination. Štefka also slipped into the surgery after him. The doctor was quite rough in his work, which worried her and at the same time deeply saddened her. She realised that, unfortunately, even people who, by virtue of their profession, should show humanity and a desire to help vulnerable individuals, sometimes fail the test.
Fortunately, the examination was over quickly, and when the neighbour saw Štefka, a quiet gratitude surged within him that she had stood by him during the unpleasant examination. They drove back home, and during the journey, they were completely silent the entire time. The experience had left its own mark on them, which was eloquent in itself.
They said goodbye. A few hours later, her neighbour came to her home and apologised several times for his behaviour, thanking her for driving him to the doctor and waiting for him there. Štefka vividly remembers this event to this day and thinks about how she could have done even more for him. That is just her nature; to make an effort and help someone who finds themselves in trouble.
However, the event also brought her the realisation that we are not on this earth just for ourselves, but also for each other. Power lies both in the person who offers help and in the person who accepts it. Every time we help each other or accept help, we are a shade richer within ourselves.
Mateja Sekavčnik
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