“They were completely healthy, but…” – the kind hearted Stanojevićs are raising seven children in 30 square meters!

We often think that our problems are the biggest and most unimaginable, until we get a harsh reality check from fighters like Darko and Ivana from Jagodina, parents of seven children, three of whom have developmental disabilities. This is the story of the Stanojević family – amazing courage, immeasurable sacrifice and endless love!

When we met Lana (13), Uroš (9), Lav (7), twins Nadja and Tea (5), Luna (3) and newborn Luka, who was quietly watching us from his crib, we learned that Uros, Lav and Tea go to special schools because of their disabilities.  As we continued to hear more about all the other problems confronting them, we were left speechless that despite it all, their home was filled with so much joy!

“There are individuals who suggested that we send the children to an institution, where they can be taken care of. Well, as long as I’m alive, my children will be with me, even if I’m 80 years old and I have to change diapers, I won’t send them away. We fought to have them, I would never allow them to be moved away somewhere“, Darko expressed his unwavering commitment to his children, holding his son Luka, who was only eight days old, in his arms.

“My heart stopped for two minutes when I gave birth to Luka, it was not certain that I would survive. After all that, there is nothing that will stop us from taking care of them, even if we have to live in a shed. For me to give up my child, never! They are all the same to me and I love them equally, whether they are healthy or not. Those children are angels“, continued mother Ivana, who was hurt by such insensitive comments.

In addition to all the problems that have befallen this family, they currently live in a 34 square meter apartment that is provided for by the Center for Social Work. Due to the lack of space and beds, some of them are forced to sleep on an old mattress in the middle of the room. It’s hard to believe that today, a family of nine actually lives in such a small space, but as the father Darko says – God is with them and helps them in everything!

The parents, unfortunately, also have health problems. The father has lumboischialgia and spondylosis of the spine, along with stomach problems that cause unbearable pain, while the mother has heart problems, i.e. atrial septal defect. They live on a modest income they receive from the government, which is insufficient to support such a large family. Even if the father, despite his condition, managed to find a job, they would lose the right to use the apartment.

We talked for a long time with the Stanojevićs about their life, starting with the number of important events that happened to them on St. Petka feast day, then learning how their son Lav spoke for the first time in the Tuman monastery at the age of four, saying “Daddy” and how he got his name because of his struggle to survive after birth, then learning that even their daughter Tea experienced healing in the monastery when she was two and a half years old. We realized that this family’s battle can only be fought with firm faith, something they certainly do not lack!

“Someone is rolling in money, but has no one to hold by the hand! I am happy because I have them. That is the most important thing in my life. There is someone to sing and to cry for us. It gives me the greatest strength when my children open the door for me, and when I experience that smile and kiss from them. Complaining is pointless, we must fight as long as there is a glimmer of hope. You’re not a man if you don’t fight,” Darko finished.

Hoping that we have successfully conveyed the faith and courage of this family, we invite all donors and people of good will to support another major Serbs for Serbs fundraiser. Let’s provide the Stanojević family with the basic necessities of life, which they undoubtedly deserve!

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