My childhood was difficult, but nature was my greatest escape. I spent my favorite moments in our forest by the Mura river, which we called ‘meko’ (the soft place). I walked there in winter and summer, cleaning it to look like a park, and in that silence, I found peace. Once we found a little fawn that was left alone – we took care of it all day. Today, it pains me that this forest is overgrown, and none of my children or grandchildren are interested anymore. In my youth, we played with branches, ran through the fields, and the rivers gave us both food and joy. The best was early in the morning, when I would already be in the field before the workers’ bus. Everyone worked there, mowing or planting, and the socializing and togetherness provided a special warmth. These are memories of freedom, peace, and joy that are most missing today.