In memory of the wise elders of Labunishta

The elderly people of Labunishta knew how to convey profound truths through jokes and clever remarks. Hence, this saying about Adžo Jašar has remained alive among the people as a symbolic message that when support is lacking where we expect it most, even the best intentions and greatest efforts find it difficult to succeed.

MY PROBLEMS ARE FROM HOME

Adžo Jašar was a well-known and exemplary resident of Labunishta, recognized for his wit, wisdom, and life cleverness. Many of his sayings and stories have been orally passed down among the inhabitants of Labunishta and its surroundings for years.

I recall a true story like this that I heard in my youth and which made a strong impression on me. Later, whenever I had the chance, I would narrate it in my lectures and conversations as a witty and instructive life tale.

Namely, when Adžo Jašar was already living his old age, he had no pension whatsoever. There was hardly a person in Labunishta and the surroundings who had not heard of him or did not know him personally. He also had many friends, including influential people in state organs and institutions.

One day, a friend asked him if he was receiving an old-age pension. Adžo Jašar replied that he had no income. Then the friend offered help and explained how he could obtain a pension.

He told him that a commission would come to his home to formally ascertain that he lived in difficult conditions, lacked proper care and attention, and that sometimes he had food and sometimes he did not.

Adžo Jašar was only supposed to "act" a little and complain about his family—that they do not care enough for him, nor for his hygiene and nutrition.

On the agreed day, the commission came to visit Adžo Jašar at his home.

The conversation was supposed to be merely a formality since the commission chairman was already informed about the whole matter.

"How are you, uncle Jašar? How do you bear old age? What are your living conditions? Do your family listen to you and serve you?" he asked.

Adžo Jašar began to describe his living conditions as badly as he could.

"Friends, as you see, I have no living conditions at all. My family does not listen to me, does not let me eat, nor do they care for or help me. Hard old age, very bad living conditions. When I eat, I eat, but more often I’m hungry," Adžo Jašar convincingly played his role.

When it seemed the matter was settled, his daughter-in-law entered the room and served guests coffee and sweets. She was completely unaware of the arrangement and had no idea why the guests had come.

When she heard her father-in-law complaining about his living conditions and blaming the family, she immediately reacted:

"Oh grandma, shame! What are you saying in front of the guests? What will they think of us? How do you say you have no conditions? Don’t talk like that! We make everything better for you, for food and everything you need. We will cut back on ourselves, but we will provide you with everything your soul desires."

The guests, surprised by the daughter-in-law’s words, just looked at each other. The commission chairman, who knew the whole matter, and Adžo Jašar himself, bowed their heads.

After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Adžo Jašar raised his head, looked at the guests, and said:

"Friends, no pension. Go about your business. It’s not your fault...

MY PROBLEMS ARE FROM HOME."

✍️ Jakub Kazimoski

"Labunista Wisdom and Sayings"

Struga, 15.07.2026