SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

The memories still hurt. The eyes of the elderly are still tearful when these memories bring back hardship and hunger.

Mrs Vera, who now lives in the Tisje retirement home, also recounted with a painful memory how it was when they were expelled. How it was when they returned home in the middle of summer; to their home, to their land.

»Into an empty house, into empty fields. There was nothing.«

»I don't understand, into an empty house. Weren't you happy, glad that it wasn't demolished? Happy that someone hadn't claimed it, otherwise you'd have nowhere to go?« I asked.

»And so it was, and I remember there was no table, no chair, no bed, and no crockery in the house. Absolutely nothing!«

»I really don't understand. What did you eat, if you ate anything at all?« I asked her.

»I don't even know what and how Mum Charm. It wasn't much, it wasn't the best, but we ate. Sometimes, as a treat, there was something good too. I remember that in the summer, when there was a lot of work, Mum would go to help neighbouring farmers.«

»Did she go into service?« I asked.

»No, she went to help with the harvest or the mowing. Back then, everyone got a better lunch. I know Mum didn't eat it. I know she'd rather go hungry, just so we children wouldn't feel the lack so much. When I think about it today, I know very well why she's stayed in my memory,« she said, continuing: »I had a classmate and best friend. She lived near us; she was almost a neighbour and came to our place every day. If it was mealtime, she'd sit down at the table with us and eat. Dad made the table and chairs. Humble, but it was something.«

I looked at her, surprised, and she continued: »Do you know what my mum said? If it's for us, it'll be for her too. And for someone else.". If we know how to be moderate and help each other, there will be enough for everyone. When autumn comes, there will be at least some produce in our field, and it will be easier for all of us.«

I watched her again because I didn't understand why Mum was so worried about her.

»You know, this girl had a mother who drank. She was an alcoholic. She didn't cook and she didn't look after the children.«

»And that's why your mother took over looking after her.«

»I remember my mother's honesty, her connection to her home and land, and her love for everyone. I really don't know how she managed it all, as I was still a child then. But anyone who came to our house hungry was given a piece of bread. All good things eventually come back, my mother used to say.

»You and I have been hungry more often than full,« I countered.

»Look, I know Mum taught us moderation from the very beginning. We don't need to stuff ourselves with food. If there isn't any, we have to be modest. Every cloud has a silver lining,« she said, giving us a wonderful farewell gift for life.

Darinka Kobal, 17 June 2026