A Trip Down Memory Lane: Winter of 2002-03 In Hercegovina With My Baba Ruška

Adriatic Adventure

Apr 12

I’m staying at my baba Ruška’s home in Radišići, Bosna i Hercegovina, for a few days.

Even though she passed away two years ago, I still call it her home.

I’m sitting on her couch, typing this piece, smiling as I think back to the winter of 2002-03.

That year, I studied in Austria, and instead of travelling to Canada for Christmas break, I stayed with my baba.

During that time:

She got the neighbour’s son to set up an internet connection so I could work on my assignments.
She got the neighbour’s son to fix my laptop after I opened a link - introducing her to computer viruses.
She threw a ‘virus party’ to celebrate the removal of the virus. Yes, there was cake.
She cut up kiwis and bananas -daily-and brought them to me while I wrote my assignments. Yes, I understand that I was spoiled.
She showered me with LOTS OF LOVE.

I’m sitting on her couch, working on my laptop as I did twenty years ago, thinking about those memories.

I’m grateful that I have those memories - a virus party. Ha!

Maybe that’s why I like to visit, even though no one lives here.

The memories remind me of her generosity, warmth, and love.

They remind me that a home is built with love.

I return to this home because I still feel her love.

That is her legacy.

A Work In Progress