TE15 Lithuanian Honey Cake

Irena: Life Should Be Clear

not be bombed, and Mr. Stabinis had a basement in which they could hide if needed. I announced that I would not leave Mrs. Ladigienė’s home because someone had to guard it. I was afraid that her Polish neighbours would loot the empty apartment as soon as the opportunity arose. As you know well, I have nothing against Poles, but try to imagine what an atmosphere of intolerance had developed, and we were the only Lithuanians in that large building. Mrs. Ladigienė tried to talk me out of this plan, but it was impossible to reason with me. I loved her greatly and wanted to repay the kindness she had shown me, at least in this way. No matter what she said, my response was: “At night I will guard the apartment, and during the daytime I will join you.” For some time, that is what I did. I would sleep in our apartment and spend the days with Mrs. Ladigienė’s family. But when battles erupted on the streets of Vilnius, I could no longer keep my promise. Finally, fierce fighting reached Trakų Street and I found myself imprisoned in the apartment. Trakų Street changed hands at least three times. I have to admit that it was quite terrifying. Stefanija Paliulytė-Ladigienė, 1920. Welcomed Irena Veisaitė into her family in Spring 1944.

123