These two women, who were lifelong friends, live in the suburban town of Ramenskoye. They are very sick and bedridden, and are under the auspices of Chamah. For the past 10 years, Valery Mazin, a former mining engineer, directs a special program catering to residents of suburbia which they are a part of. Mary M. worked all her life as a teacher in middle school. Thanks to her efforts (she taught mathematics at the senior classes) many of the students were able to go to Moscow universities. They are still visiting their favorite teacher, who unfortunately now because of cataracts, is almost completely blind, but recognizes her ex-students by voice and intonation.
Mary M. suffers from arthritis. She cannot get out of bed alone, and is spoon-fed by Patronage volunteers. Chamah also keeps her apartment clean, provides necessary medications on time, and maintains her appointments. Her friend,Vera S., used to be in charge of the local club, and tried to instill in local youth interest in choral singing and classical and modern dance. She often led discussions about the dangers of smoking and alcohol. She is now bedridden. She is regularly visited by volunteers of Chamah.
In addition to all the necessary medical procedures, she is also requesting to be read poems by Marina Tsvetaeva, which she loves to listen to, and knows many by heart. Such is the fate of Maria Mikhailovna and Vera Semyonovna, that in their old age, are sick and helpless, and were left completely alone. They thank G-d Chamah, who is doing their best to help these deserving women.
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