Greetings from Kyiv: Seven
Angels in the Corridor: Hope for Ukraine's Wounded Warriors
In every corridor, a quiet permeates the walls that echo every footstep and whispered word. It's a place where silence drenches everything, and everyone within these walls strives valiantly to maintain it while being unable to. The resounding knock on a room's door serves as an announcement that people are entering the hospital room.
A Ukrainian volunteer gracefully enters the hospital room's threshold, and suddenly, the stillness is disrupted by her warm and heartfelt greeting, accompanied by a lovely smile. The wounded soldiers receiving care are suddenly enchanted by this unexpected change of atmosphere. Meanwhile, the hospital's diligent nurses and staff glide in and out, their efficient movements and dedication to their duties go unnoticed due to the sudden appearance of this angel.
Before these injured heroes stands this person not in a uniform or hospital attire but in civilian clothing, introducing those of us behind her as volunteers who are here for them. We have brought gifts, refreshments, and fruits for the soldiers, but what sets this encounter apart is the volunteer's extraordinary ability to call each soldier by name, recalling their personal requests and details from days past. It's a powerful gesture that makes each soldier feel seen and valued.
Once all the gifts have been distributed, the focus shifts to the well-being and recovery of these brave warriors. Conversations flow naturally, ranging from the challenges of rehabilitation to their dreams of reuniting with family and friends. An occasional joke elicits hearty laughter, but it's soon followed by a somber moment of reflection on comrades lost in battle, which brings about a collective, heartfelt pause. The conversations eventually resume, and inquiries are made about any specific items the soldiers may need, with a promise to deliver them on the next visit.
This scene replays throughout the day, a testament to the dedication of these volunteers. However, as 7:30 p.m. approaches, there's a sense of urgency in completing the last visits, as visiting hours draw to a close at 8:00 p.m. By 9:00 p.m., the remaining supplies are loaded, and the volunteers bid their goodbyes to each other with heartfelt hugs in the cold dark.
As they make their way home, the volunteer’s hearts are heavy with reflection and deep emotions. They carry with them the knowledge that they've offered solace and cherished companionship to those who deserve this and much more. Yet, they are acutely aware that this effort, while meaningful, is just a small drop in the vast sea of work that remains to be done. New patients arrive every day.
Ukraine has endured amputations on a scale not seen since the First World War. The world remains tragically unaware of the profound physical and emotional toll inflicted upon Ukraine. While it's unintentionally easy to overlook this obvious fact amidst a backdrop of numerous atrocities elsewhere, it's crucial to acknowledge that the staggering extent of devastation in Ukraine has persisted for 592 days. This prolonged crisis is exploited by the enemy to not only outlast and wear Western support thin but also to capitalize on any distraction that diverts attention from their genocidal ambitions.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to John Babiak for generously providing me with many games to distribute to soldiers. I would also like to give special thanks to my good friend Felicity Spector, whom I had never met but who has been a wonderful and instant friend. Felicity and I share a lot of mutual friends who are doing amazing work in Ukraine. In fact, she’s overdue to hang out with my good friend Tim, who is always hard at work reporting important stories in Ukraine: The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak.
Please consider supporting these volunteers HERE as they rely on your donations to afford all the gifts, refreshments, fruits, candies, and more of these soldiers.
It was great to meet you Ron, and to share this opportunity to visit the defenders - hope to see you again the next time!