Years later, when the famine had passed and the orphans had grown into adults, they would speak of Aua with reverence. They called her their savior, their guiding star in a world that had lost its way. Her name became synonymous with compassion and resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit to endure and to uplift others, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In recognition of her extraordinary efforts, a statue was erected in Arys, a tribute to Aua Zhomartova—the woman who gave everything she had to ensure that the next generation could live. The statue stands as a reminder that true heroism is not found in grand gestures, but in the quiet, persistent acts of love and kindness that transform lives.
As I listen to my grandmother share these stories, I am filled with immense gratitude. Aua's journey, her unyielding commitment to humanity, and the legacy she left behind inspire me every day. Her story, passed down through the generations, is a powerful reminder that while life may be fleeting, the impact we have on others endures.
Аты қалған ер өлмейді,
Адам мәңгі атағымен селбесер,
Аты қалса, бұ жалғанда өлмес ер.
"A man whose name remains will not die.
If a person does not waver with eternal fame,
If his name remains, this is an immortal man."
Through Aua, and through the stories my grandmother tells, I understand that true immortality lies not in the length of one's life, but in the legacy of love and compassion one leaves behind.