The wolf lived better in the den than I did.

“A Wolf Lived Better in Its Den Than I Did” – The Story of the Antić Family from Kosovo and Metohija

The difficult life story of the Antić family, who endured two tragedies in just two years. First, their elder son passed away after a short but serious illness, leaving behind three children. Soon after, Zoran’s wife also fell gravely ill, and her health worsened every day following their son’s death.

Hope for the Antić Family in Kosovo and Metohija

What was once a lively household with a garden, livestock, and farmland has now fallen silent. The hardworking family could only watch helplessly as everything they built crumbled. The house collapsed, the yard became overgrown, the fields turned wild, and illness took over.

“As long as I was able, I did everything myself and never asked for help. But when illness strikes, no one is there. First, my son passed away, and two years later, my wife. I don’t even have the means to visit their graves, let alone make a memorial.”

Life in a Cold House Filled with Painful Memories

After his wife’s passing, Zoran remained on the property with his younger son, Ivan. Neither of them is able to work. Their only income is Zoran’s minimal salary of about €170 and social assistance, most of which goes to pay for medicine. They live in a small, makeshift structure made of concrete blocks. The bathroom is falling apart, the windows let in the cold, and the tiny room stays freezing even with a fire burning in winter.

“My wife was bedridden for the last year. I heated water on the stove to bathe her and carried her everywhere she needed to go. I took care of the house, the garden, and the animals—but I couldn’t manage anymore. Since my son died, I haven’t been well… I don’t even know how I’ve survived these years. Truly, even a wolf lived better in its den than I did.”

Купатило

The Antić Family Lives Like in a Den

Because of Zoran’s wife’s condition, we tried through the authorities to secure building material for the Antić family to repair their home. Sadly, despite requests and promises from the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, their application never even reached Belgrade. While we fought alongside the family for justice and support, the lady of the house passed away.

“Everything we had went to medicine—more than 20 boxes a month. Then the trips: Mitrovica, Priština, Niš… Now I’m unwell too. I worry about Ivan—how and where he will live. He’s young and needs support, at least to have a roof over his head. As for me, I’ve lost the will for anything else.”

Zoran’s medicines

Neglect and Injustice Hurt the Antić Family the Most

The bathroom walls are soaked with moisture and on the verge of collapse. The cold and poor windows force the Antić family to wear coats even indoors. Powerless, forgotten, and burdened by pain, they live without hope.

That is why, through the campaign A Little Means a Lot , we are helping them rebuild their home—to make at least the two rooms they live in dignified and safe.