"Is Christmas over yet?", or The real meaning of Advent

Thank you all for nice thoughts and sympathy for yesterday's post. I told you some facts, but now I have a real story, so dear to me...

We had a real close family friend that lived in Vukovar all of her life. She was almost 80 years old in 1991. She refused too get out of her Vukovar when the roads were stil opened, and so we haven't heard anything from her or about her for more then three month's...
One night she left her house in Vukovar and hurried
to a shelter in her nightgown, slippers, the robe and woolen shawl, as usually (cause that was usual at that time in many Croatian towns) , but that night her house was hit to the ground and she never left the shelter in a neighborhood basement until November the 18th when they were all forced to leave Vukovar.

Few days later we received a call from refuge center in Zagreb that she was there, alive and safe, in her slippers, robe and woolen shawl. When she was reunited with her sister and family first thing she asked was: "Is Christmas over?" She was very happy when she heard it wasn't. She had something to look forward to. And I think it is the real meaning of Advent time that is just ahead of us.

She lived few good years after that in Zagreb, having a fresh start at 80 years of age. She was a remarkable person, so spirited, fool of life and defiance.
She lived long enough to see the end of the war, liberation of Vukovar and entire Croatian land. She is resting in her Vukovar now, but she never saw it again...

[Paula W]

She sounds like a special lady. Beautiful image and words.

[jo]

Beautiful shot , and thank you for sharing.

[Kahsia]

Thanks for sharing.

[Paul]

She sounds like a remarkable woman. Lovely image again :)

[sarah]

Beautifully captured.

[Tim L]

I think your friend is a worthy recipient of such a beautiful photo.

[Kathy]

This woman had a beautiful spirit and this is a wonderful story.

[Margo]

Amazing lady. What a wonderful spirit. Hope she sees Christmas this year in new clothes!!

[Jerome]

A very touching story. It deeply hits me that there were such horrendous events in Europe just recently... not far from the place where I live.

[Babs]

Beautiful shot and a very moving story.

[ChristineL]

So glad she lived to see the good times again. Lovely, meaningful shot.

[Vesna]

Dirljiva i lijepo ispričana priča.

[Deborah Simmerman]

Strong photo, and thank you for the story of your amazing friend. I was so glad to read at the end that she was able to make a fresh start and live some good years in Zagreb.