The seven-member Rakicevic family: The greatest wealth is family and children; the rest is as much as one has

The seven-member Rakicevic family, despite having the most remote house in the village of Vuca near Leposavic, has been living and surviving there for a full thirty-three years. For all these years, the father has been the only employee in the house, and recently, one of the sons has also started working. They don't complain much, instead, they are preparing for the upcoming holidays.

Originally, the family didn't plan to have many children, but over the years, children were born: first Jelena, then Lazar, Milica, and Stefan. From Milica, they received their seventh family member, grandson Luka.

In a conversation with Kosovo Online, Ljubisa Rakicevic shares that it has been tough, but that having four children is true wealth.

"The greatest wealth is family and children, and the rest is as much as you have. We lived modestly, and the greatest wealth is having a family with healthy and well-behaved children," Rakicevic says.

His wife, Stanka Rakicevic, doesn't complain either, she says that the difficult times are behind them, and the New Year holidays with children's laughter have been festive and joyous.

"It was good, we had cows, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs – we had everything. It was challenging without water; I washed everything by hand, four children, everything by hand, dishes, and everything else. It was tough, but later we got water, built up slowly, and that's how I raised the children. We also worked on the garden. It was nice for us, it was festive, I don't know what else to add," Stanka says.

Ljubisa adds that the atmosphere in the house was like any other home, with a decorated Christmas tree, gifts, and everything that other children had.

"We would decorate the tree in the house, and the children would be happy. We bought them gifts, whatever we could afford. We couldn't afford much, but they would be satisfied with that," Ljubisa adds.

This year, with the assistance of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija in collaboration with the municipality of Leposavic, a new house is being built for the Rakicevic family. Ljubisa believes that this year might be the happiest for the children, as everything will be closer and more accessible to them.

"This year might be the happiest for them; maybe the kids will move into the new house. We still don't know anything, but this year is quite special for us because a new house is being built down there, a new home, and the children will probably live there. My wife and I will stay here to maintain the property. It's a shame to abandon it. Asphalt roads will be closer to them, electricity; if they get jobs tomorrow, a school for the grandson will be nearby, and they won't have to walk through mud, dew, branches, and snow," Ljubisa says.

The eldest of their four children, Jelena Rakicevic, reminisces about the mischiefs and growing up in the village, adding with a smile that a house full of children was always fun.

"All in all, it was always fun. As my parents said, we had many animals, and our late grandmother took care of them, and I, of course, went with her. I remember when I was being chased by sheep in the yard. Growing up was a bit harder because our school was quite far, so it was a bit tough to walk through snow and rain, but well, that passed too. There was everything – playing, fighting, and arguing, just like in all larger families. We didn't have many friends in the village, except at school," Jelena shares.

As children, they always celebrated New Year's as a family, and Jelena recalls some amusing incidents.

"Decorating the tree in December, preparing, presents, gifts. Dad bought as much as he could. I remember a flying firework in the house. Dad, like every year, bought fireworks and wanted to light them right in front of the house. However, he set it up upside down, and when he lit the firework, it flew straight into the house. Also, one year, a neighbor lit a firecracker and threw it in front of our door, and when it exploded, we all scattered. There were interesting situations, especially with fireworks," Jelena says.

Now, as adults, they mostly celebrate significant Orthodox holidays and the Serbian New Year as a family.

"Some may celebrate with friends, some at home. We usually spend the Serbian New Year together, just like Christmas and Easter. These are holidays we celebrate as a family," Jelena adds.

For her, this year is special as they will be moving into a new house.

"I think this New Year is special because, as you know, we got a new house, and we expect to move in as soon as possible. We have started buying things for furnishing, and we hope for a quick move-in," she adds.

When asked what she would wish for the New Year, Jelena sends a clear message to her peers, reminding them of what is missing for everyone today.

"The most important thing is happiness and freedom. And family, as dad said. More respect, understanding, and warmth among people – things that are lacking nowadays," Jelena says.