“Capable of Peace, not War” The story of Lenocka, by Anonymous Author
“Capable of Peace, not War” The story of Lenocka, by Anonymous Author
During the siege of Stalingrad, a little girl was evacuated. Her name was Lonocka- She had forgotten her last name because she was still so little. She had lost everything: her mother, father, grandmother, brother.
A special unit found her in the middle of the frosty winter- in an apartment no one else lived. Many children were left to their own devices at that time. Lenocka was taken to an orphanage.
She no longer knew how she had ended up there- so exhausted, motionless, almost transparent. She did not speak, did not eat. She simply sat there, often in a chair by the stove, staring into the void.
Adults thought she would not make it.
Many children died at that time - from hunger, from cold, from sadness.
But then, a young firefighter came- Kolya, maybe 20 years old, with one leg. He took an old piece of fabric, cut it out, sewed it together, folded it- and made a little doll out of it. With a pencil, he drew her eyes and mouth. Then he gave it to Lonocka - and said seriously:
“This doll is very sick, Lonocka. She’s very weak and doesn’t even cry anymore.” “You have to take good care of her. Now, you’re her mother. You have to teach her to eat.” “If you do not take care of her, she will die.”
Lenocka took the doll in her little hands.
She rocked her, talked to her, and whispered tender words to her.
She feed the doll some pretend porridge, and started eating herself.
Lonocka chose to live because someone needed her. She chose not to give up on herself in order to care for another.
Later in life, Lonocka became a nurse- her hands were always busy in the care of the sick . Her heart full of warmth for those in need.
Kolya, the one legged firefighter, taught her the biggest lesson of her life- If you are entrusted with someone to care for, you have a reason to live.
Loneliness is an unbearable burden. Caring for others is a privilege and a blessing ❤️