Invasion Dy +61 Today we headline a letter pleading to help find Yuriv. If you can help Wanda, us, him, please do let us know: please seek for him where you can. We need a glimmer of light in all our darkness.
Thank you to Bianca from Romania, one of our regular correspondents, you have an unerring ability to lift us here just when we need lifting the most.
We will not comment more on the war today but gaze at the wonder at beauty of the birth of the Queen Bee, a symbol for the rebirth and indomitable spirit of Ukraine.
Hoggy
Todays Letters:
From Wanda Maciuszko, North Yorkshire
Dear Hoggy,
'Kira'
We watch the news day after day, night after night until we somehow become immune and detached from our emotions however much we care. Sometimes though something happens which breaks through that. For me that happened on Saturday -Orthodox Easter Saturday-a holy day preceding a day of Resurrection and hope.
For Kira there was to be no life, no hope after that day as a Russian missile hit the apartment block in Odessa where she lived, a three month old baby.
She died with her mother Valeria and her grandmother. Five others died in the block. Her father Yuriy had gone to the shops.
He returned to find his family dead.
He was brave enough to speak to a journalist even though he was grief stricken and in shock because he wanted the world to know what had happened to his family. He said’ What is happening is a grief for my family, for our city, for Ukraine, it’s a grief for the whole civilisation. I hope our story helps to stop this war.’
For me the most poignant moment was the few things he salvaged from the apartment –photo albums, Valeria’s sugar sachet collection, handwritten notes and a packet of nappies.
Fragments of a life taken away from him by a senseless act.
The war has to be stopped before there are more victims like Kira. We need to work towards that goal by whatever means it takes. This is not just Ukraine’s war although they must feel that they stand alone.
Yuriy you are not alone – I offer you a hand of friendship, our love, support and whatever help you need.
I have tried to find a direct number for Yuriy through journalists but if anyone is in touch with him please can you let Yuriy know we are here for him and will try to do our best for him. One individual act of help is powerful.
I am greatly inspired day after day by the writings here and have finally added my voice.
Wanda Maciuszko
Scarborough 26th April 2022
Dear Wanda,
Yes, one individual act of help is very powerful. As is your voice. We should hear more from you.
Thank you for this moving, terrible, story of Yuriv and of Kira. It is heart breaking.
Our hearts weep here for Yuriv, for Valeria, and for Kira. For all Ukrainians.
For all victims of war, in Yemen, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria...Myanmar, are we totally incapable of peace?
But Ukraine is our war. Because it threatens us directly. Is there anyone on the Clapham omnibus these days? A. Citizen? Someone who cares enough? Maybe they all got off at Parliament Square. There are pressing needs, we agree. But none so much as this.
Well, you care Wanda, and we care, and thousands of others do. But it needs billions, not thousands to stop this war.
Billions of people need to care enough that they do not wish to end their lives in the nuclear holocaust Putin keeps hinting at. But most appear not to see the threat. Yet.
We only reach a few hundred wonderful souls here, vital people, powerful people with voices, people who really do care. But it is not enough.
And yet, somehow your voice makes it mark, and Yuriv's. And Valeria's. And little Kira's.
We are listening. And acting wherever we can.
Finding Yuriv is your story. And our story.
Let us find him?
Thank you Wanda for these words.
Hoggy
Dear Hoggy,
I thought this might lift your spirits?
It is the birth of a Queen Bee.
Bianca.
Dear Bianca,
As ever, you are right. Thank you so much.
It is a truly beautiful sight.
We dedicate it to Ukraine
Hoggy.
.
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