I Have a Hockey Dilemma
The author reflects on the intertwining of personal experiences with hockey and the commemoration of a significant tragedy in Slovakia, highlighting the importance of justice and remembrance.
In a personal reflection, the author recalls her long-standing love for hockey, linking it to fond memories from her youth, such as celebrating Slovak victories during tournaments and her presence at the Olympics. However, this passion is juxtaposed with the haunting backdrop of societal issues, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent anniversary of a tragic event in Slovakia. The mention of her husband watching hockey while she conducted an interview underscores the tension between national pride in sports and the real-world dilemmas faced by many today.
The narrative shifts focus to a recent gathering at Freedom Square to mark the eighth anniversary of the murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. The author emphasizes the significance of this memorial in her life and insists on the importance of instilling values of justice and activism in the younger generation. By bringing her children to the gathering, she aims to teach them that standing up for justice is paramount, a lesson rooted in both national tragedies and personal history.
Ultimately, the piece captures the complex emotions surrounding national identity as expressed through hockey and the weight of societal injustices that demand attention. The author navigates her feelings of nostalgia, pride, and sorrow, revealing the intertwined nature of sports, memory, and activism in a changing Slovakia.