Until it happens to you, you don’t know how it feels — Stories From Ukraine
We would like to utilise the platform that #EYP has to share and amplify the voices of those directly impacted by the Russian-Ukrainian war. We thank Natalia Drozd for sharing her story with us. #YoungEurope
On Monday (8.7.2024) morning, Russian rockets hit a children’s hospital, business centre, residential building, kindergarten and maternity hospital. One of the missiles exploded next to my mother’s house. She miraculously survived because the explosion wave pushed her back to the corridor, saving her from getting shredded by broken glass. She called me right after the accident. My sister and I rushed to her as soon as the air alert was over. We felt so happy that Mom was alive, yet so angry that she had to live through this nightmare.
That morning, another piece of my soul died. It was painful to see my street on fire, with people running around crying the names of their loved ones, hoping they were alive. Once the emergency services checked the building, people could go back to their apartments and start cleaning up.
My sister and I spent the whole day cleaning up broken glass and throwing away everything destroyed by the missile, all while supporting our dear mother. The following day, after the adrenaline rush had worn off, I was left with nothing but pain, anger, and sadness. I felt grief for all the innocent victims whose lives Russia brutally took. I allowed myself to rest and took all the time I needed to experience the range of painful emotions.
On Wednesday, I returned to work to catch up on tasks after addressing the aftermath of a Russian attack. Life is gradually returning to normal.
So why am I sharing this?
Two messages:
1. The war is not over. Everyone who lives in Ukraine can become the next Russian victim. Whether you are a soldier, journalist, office worker or tourist, everyone is equal before russian missiles.
2. Till it happens to you, you don’t know how it feels — not knowing if your loved one is alive after the explosion is torture.
Three action items:
1. Be kind to each other, always. You never know what other people are going through.
2. Remember to say “I love you.” Do not leave anything unsaid; life is too short to postpone good things.
3. Stay loyal to your values. I feel no guilt for prioritizing my family over work, even though some deadlines were approaching. Work is endless, and humans are mortal.
By Natalia Drozd
