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We present the story of this month.
This story is about seventeen-year-old Vaiva from Radviliškis region. Her aunt Almutė sent us a short letter telling Vaiva studies in advanced arts class, she is a good pupil, participates in various arts competitions and exhibitions. She mentioned Vaiva is not capable of buying expensive tools for arts works. She also wrote Vaiva's mom is in care hospital at the moment, as she is ill with severe oncological disease.
I did not dare to ask Vaiva about her mom's illness. She only mentioned her mom became ill approximately four years ago. Operations and chemotherapies improved her condition for some time, unfortunately the disease spread to all body, and today she is in Panevėžys care hospital. Since September, Vaiva lives alone. The girl tells us about her routine: "Early in the morning, I go to school, then on 5 p.m. I come back, turn on the fire, make something for dinner and do my homework". "On weekends, I visit my mom". On other days, Vaiva's older sisters and brother visit their mom, as they all live in Panevėžys. I ask Vaiva: how is your mom now? "She's not the same...There was time when she couldn't speak, walk, she used to forget her children's names...". I ask Vaiva: Do you ever forget your problems and relax? "Yes, when I'm at school, and painting. As soon as I come home - I feel bad and uneasy... Now I must calculate, which shampoo is cheaper... But I must succeed someday, anyway", she adds.
Jadvyga - Vaiva's educator and arts teacher - also takes care of the girl. She provided some wood for winter, together with director's assistant she gained Vaiva the benefit . Vaiva carefully saves the money, she keeps it in the safe of the school director and only asks when she needs it badly.
I asked Vaiva about her father - he passed away when Vaiva was 9. He had a heart infarct. It was a great loss to Vaiva - she was very close with her dad.
Vaiva's greatest goal is to graduate school. She must now learn to live and survive. And she still believes she must succeed someday.
Editor of "Bėdų turgus"
