The hands of Slava, Jane, Margus and Siiri (from left to right).

SLAVA (74)

In 3rd or 4th grade at school, we had to write about who we wanted to become when we grew up. I wrote that I wanted to build LAZ-buses – not drive them, but actually design and build them. After 10th grade, I entered the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the university. At the time, I had no idea what awaited me: endless drawings and a lot of coursework. But I liked the technical field. Later, I worked for several years at a factory dealing with cars and technical equipment. Even now, I still change the tires of my car myself — not out of necessity, but out of interest.

JANE (48)

In my early childhood, I remember that my greatest wish was peace for every living creature in the world. As I grew older, this heartfelt desire brought me deep sadness, because I realized that not everyone wants peace.

At the age of ten, I understood that every day something happens that is beyond my control. So I narrowed my wish: at least on my birthday, I hoped that everyone in the world would be happy. I checked the news to see whether humanity could go even a single day without violence.

I have not given up on my dream. In my own little world, I create, hold, see, hear, and share goodness. This is my contribution to making my great dream come true.

MARGUS (56)

I spent the summers at my grandmother’s house; she worked at a hospital located in a complex consisting of three prosperous farms in Mulgimaa. That’s where, as an adult, I developed an understanding of the continuity and perseverance of farm life in pre-war Estonia—the prosperous farmhouse, the spirit of the place, my grandmother, and all the stories that circulated there…

Why does a home has the face of the owner? People create an environment that suits them, one that is safe. To grow, you need a safe haven—whether you have a home, whether you have a family… you always need someone. Out of stubbornness, you might manage on your own for a while, but you can’t be alone all the time.

SIIRI (73)

My dream? Southern France! I imagine myself living by the sea in a glass house. In the morning I go out into the sea, take off my clothes and… Then I paint in my studio. I have a little red car that I drive to Montmartre to take my paintings to the gallery… although a large painting won’t fit in a small car!

But I’m not doing anything to make that dream come true. To make a dream reality you have to  do something – take a step!

I have a grandchild – that dream has come true! And the dream of being able to share my knowledge with others. I think my mission in life is to help vulnerable people. If you have health and energy, then you should help others. Just like I’ve helped at the children’s home or the support center for people with disabilities. Now I like working with the elderly. That’s how it is.