Viktor, again you have opened my eyes and made me think. We all have these forgotten people that live in our communities. We see them sleeping in between doorways in the city. We cross paths with them holding a cup for change or asking for a meal. In America , we donβt have bombs dropping around us to add to the isolation for these folks. Maybe it is time for those of us that donβt have to endure such hardship to pay it forward, buy a sandwich, direct someone to a shelter, give up your change, volunteer or donate to a food bank, sit and just listen for a minute. Be kind, be human, pay it forward, and maybe just maybe it will grow and make the world a better place. I pray for your safety and an end to this senseless war!
Thank you dear Sheri, thank you for your very insightful point of view. There are many times that I'm writing that I'm thinking about how much desperation and poverty are everywhere, I wouldn't say that in every street of the world, but it probably is true if we think about every neighborhood, every city, every district, no place in this world is free from those who are homeless or in some state of hunger. I always thought that my words here are made not only to open the eyes of people to the devastation that Russia submits us in every aspect, but the devastation we are testifying so many of our compatriots, no matter the country here, just because life is unfair and brutal everywhere. It sounds a little ambitious, but well, the words you send me here my friend, along with the words of so many of our fellow and wonderful readers, well, they indicates that even if the goal is too broad and ambitious, at least we are in the right direction, don't you think? Sending love to you ππ
Absolutely Viktor! Human compassion, empathy and kindness works miracles. It is why we are all here! We are so much more alike than different. We want whatβs best for our children, we teach them right from wrong and we teach them kindness. Itβs time we put those lessons into practice for a kinder, gentler world. Bless you dear Viktor.
The measure of a country is not in Nobel prizes but in its quiet ordinary lives. The school that opens and has teachers and books. The clinic with medicine and nurses. The bus that runs and the money to pay for it. Jobs, food, choices. Agency. Leisure, fun, love, children. This is the loss - these losses - millions of times over. And this is the miracle of daily life in a safe, stable place. My fan works. I can afford my rent. I go to work and when I come home, everything is the same.
Thank you Viktor. Again and again your words are illuminating, opening our eyes and hearts. I, for one, will take your words to heart and expand my reach in paying it forward. I want to see the faces and lives that live in the shadows. Perhaps if all who are able give a little or much, the mountain of despair will crumble under the acts of kindness and generosity. You are a light in the darkness. Keep writing.
Years ago, Listening to public broadcasting in a large urban area, I learned that when asked what would mean the most to themβthe men & women with such hardshipsβthey indicated eye contact. To be seen.
I feel the same way. We all need to do what we can to help our fellow people. It can be as simple as a smile and a hello or as much as a donation to a charity that we know actualΔΊy helps. Give clothes to those in need or bottle of water or buy them a meal that may be all they have that day. And give a meal to the pet that keeps them company when no one else is around.
Just be kind and treat them as you would treat yourself.
I bought water for a homeless woman I'd always driven past on the street; I haven't seen her in awhile, but I hope she's okay and in a better situation. I donate when and how I can to the same food bank my aunt did, because of her example.
I just can't forget, though, that scene in the movie /Schindler's List/, when he lamented: "I could've done more! Why didn't I do more?" It's true that the man wasn't a saint, but at least he learned, he changed his ways, and he really did try. When he died, his name was remembered Among The Righteous. :~-)
You are so right. And, these poor, we all have them. And, we are called to do what we can.
Even my small town of 35,000 has groups of homeless (plus others, who do not fit into a βgroupβ). We must not lose our heart by not seeing and caring.
Dear Emily, thank you so much for your compliments. I have so many thoughts inside my mind to convert into books that it really brings me some anxiety because I'm not getting organized enough to bring them into "readable" stories, but I have several plans and you will be the first to know when anything comes to be a reality. πππππ
Itβs hard to be organized when you are daily grieving. You pour your grief into words for the listeners, the helpers, the concerned. We take them up and turn them into prayers for Ukrainians πΊπ¦ and whatever help, no matter how meager we can give. diane
Viktor, the Africans have a saying, "When elephants fight, the grass is trampled." You offer us the stories of the grass, your people. Without you, we wouldn't know about the suffering. Just cold numbers on screens, impersonal, with no pity. Your reports are vital to those of us outside Ukraine.
Thank you dear friend, you know, some comments are worth printing in a big paper to be the first message I see when I wake up, or to be written in a tiny paper but enough to be placed in my wallet to be read anywhere at anytime. Yours is one of these, absolutely, because it remembers me exactly why I'm here. I was thinking one of thee days that this Substack became something that I love so much to do that I am thinking about it, about what I am going to share and tell here, for 24 hours a day, which may seem weird, but it's true because I dream with articles, sometimes they are even on some nightmares (when there's Trump and Putin, of course), I also think on them when I'm driving, when I'm working, anything....
And still, on the African saying, let me share that one of these days I saved a quote from someone I unfortunately forgot, but I remember it was from someone from Africa too. The quote said
"Where does love go when we stop loving? In truth, it doesnβt leave, it stays. The capacity to love remains within you. Thereβs nothing wrong with falling out of love. Your ability to love endures, no one can take that away from you."
I found that so beautiful that I saved to share it someday, and I didn't found the opportunity until now. Thanks for that and for everything!ππ
Thank you for this and all you do every day to keep us in touch with the world you live in. And again you have brought me to tears. Thank you. That I can still cry let's me know I am still human and still alive.πβ€οΈπππΊπ¦π»
"Letting it get to you. You know what that's called? Being alive. Best thing there is." --11th Doctor, /Doctor Who/, "The Doctor's Wife." Episode full of wonderful lines. :)
You're a beautiful person. Your words speak for your countrymen and you don't leave out anyone. It takes a special person to see and feel all of it. Never change.
Dear Mary, the beauty is completely in your heart, because although I interpret the reality that surronds me and the feelings that I cannot control inside me, in the end I am only the messenger, and nothing would be possible if you aren't sensible enough to feel connected to this people and this nation so far away from you (in the map, but never in your hearts). ππ
Perhaps that is exactly your destiny, to be fortunate enough to have electricity and a screen (most days) so you can tell the stories when the people are unable to. You are here to remind the world of the pain and suffering and to tell us the TRUE story of war. So thank you for your courage and your determination and for your beautiful way with words. They affect my soul. Slava Ukraina πͺπΊπ¦
Your eloquent voice truly brings the truth of Ukraineβs plight to the world. It is hard for us who have their bellies full and a bed to sleep in to imagine such suffering and misery your people are enduring. I truly hope this war comes to an end very soon. Your people deserve such love and respect. Bid bless them and you! Stay Strong!
Sadly, your title is so very true. And, all of us wishing and praying that the situation would improve isn't changing anything. I truly am so sorry that Ukraine is suffering. To say that I am with you mind, heart, and soul is absolutely true, but I know it doesn't help one bit. I wish that Russia's efforts would be squashed! I wish that Ukraine could have its life back! And, yes. I'll keep hoping for better times. Something has to give. Life has to change for the suffering poor.
Be they thoughts of love, support or prayer, it means and is appreciated more than you imagine. Keep being the beautiful and compassionate person that you are!! β₯οΈ
Jaye, your sentiments made my eyes water. You and I--- and countless others, no doubt!--- have great love and respect for the people of Ukraine and wish them all God's blessings. I'll continue to pray for peace and their well-being. God bless you sweetly!
I know for a fact, Viktor, your writing skill and humanity have brought attention to the awful plight of your fellow Ukrainians. Iβm sure I am not the only one who can no longer look away from the horrors happening in your country every day. I hope you keep writing for as long as you are able. Slava Ukraini
It's a shame, isn't it, how organizations and the media use people's suffering to generate interest, but they don't truly show the people enduring the suffering. Writers like you flip that on its head. Through reading your work, I see and feel the humanity of the people living through wars they did nothing to create. Suddenly places like your Ukraine, or like Gaza, aren't just distant countries across the world, but places and people I carry in my heart everywhere I go and in everything I do.
Those people who arenβt seen β¦ you just showed them to the world. You have a gift with words and as all noble writers before you who have used their words to make the unseen seen, you are honoring those people with your words and before the eyes of the world. Stay strong!
Viktor, the reality of this war comes to my eyes so vividly through your writing and my heart breaks for you and your people. I hold you and the people of Ukraine in my prayers. Stand strong Ukraine.
Victor your efforts are important. You and all Ukrainians are important to us. I think of you every day. I wish this war to end soon. I hope you have the best chance ever for some normalcy after this horrific period is over. Stay strong Ukraine.
Viktor, again you have opened my eyes and made me think. We all have these forgotten people that live in our communities. We see them sleeping in between doorways in the city. We cross paths with them holding a cup for change or asking for a meal. In America , we donβt have bombs dropping around us to add to the isolation for these folks. Maybe it is time for those of us that donβt have to endure such hardship to pay it forward, buy a sandwich, direct someone to a shelter, give up your change, volunteer or donate to a food bank, sit and just listen for a minute. Be kind, be human, pay it forward, and maybe just maybe it will grow and make the world a better place. I pray for your safety and an end to this senseless war!
Slava Ukraine πΊπ¦
Thank you dear Sheri, thank you for your very insightful point of view. There are many times that I'm writing that I'm thinking about how much desperation and poverty are everywhere, I wouldn't say that in every street of the world, but it probably is true if we think about every neighborhood, every city, every district, no place in this world is free from those who are homeless or in some state of hunger. I always thought that my words here are made not only to open the eyes of people to the devastation that Russia submits us in every aspect, but the devastation we are testifying so many of our compatriots, no matter the country here, just because life is unfair and brutal everywhere. It sounds a little ambitious, but well, the words you send me here my friend, along with the words of so many of our fellow and wonderful readers, well, they indicates that even if the goal is too broad and ambitious, at least we are in the right direction, don't you think? Sending love to you ππ
Absolutely Viktor! Human compassion, empathy and kindness works miracles. It is why we are all here! We are so much more alike than different. We want whatβs best for our children, we teach them right from wrong and we teach them kindness. Itβs time we put those lessons into practice for a kinder, gentler world. Bless you dear Viktor.
Viktor, I love that you are always looking into what others think about your substack and your articles
The people in desperate straits in Ukraine are remembered, and we've learned about them, because of your writing, Viktor; never think it's in vain.
May you encourage us all to open our eyes to the people wherever we are that need us.
The measure of a country is not in Nobel prizes but in its quiet ordinary lives. The school that opens and has teachers and books. The clinic with medicine and nurses. The bus that runs and the money to pay for it. Jobs, food, choices. Agency. Leisure, fun, love, children. This is the loss - these losses - millions of times over. And this is the miracle of daily life in a safe, stable place. My fan works. I can afford my rent. I go to work and when I come home, everything is the same.
Blessed!
Thank you Viktor. Again and again your words are illuminating, opening our eyes and hearts. I, for one, will take your words to heart and expand my reach in paying it forward. I want to see the faces and lives that live in the shadows. Perhaps if all who are able give a little or much, the mountain of despair will crumble under the acts of kindness and generosity. You are a light in the darkness. Keep writing.
Stay safe πππΊπ¦
Years ago, Listening to public broadcasting in a large urban area, I learned that when asked what would mean the most to themβthe men & women with such hardshipsβthey indicated eye contact. To be seen.
Thank you, Viktor for reminding me.
Slava Ukraini
ππΌππΊπ¦πππΌ
I feel the same way. We all need to do what we can to help our fellow people. It can be as simple as a smile and a hello or as much as a donation to a charity that we know actualΔΊy helps. Give clothes to those in need or bottle of water or buy them a meal that may be all they have that day. And give a meal to the pet that keeps them company when no one else is around.
Just be kind and treat them as you would treat yourself.
Amen, literally. :)
I bought water for a homeless woman I'd always driven past on the street; I haven't seen her in awhile, but I hope she's okay and in a better situation. I donate when and how I can to the same food bank my aunt did, because of her example.
I just can't forget, though, that scene in the movie /Schindler's List/, when he lamented: "I could've done more! Why didn't I do more?" It's true that the man wasn't a saint, but at least he learned, he changed his ways, and he really did try. When he died, his name was remembered Among The Righteous. :~-)
Sheri, that is a beautiful take as well. I was thinking of Ukraine and not thinking of those right here at home and in communities around the globe.,
You are so right. And, these poor, we all have them. And, we are called to do what we can.
Even my small town of 35,000 has groups of homeless (plus others, who do not fit into a βgroupβ). We must not lose our heart by not seeing and caring.
I hope you will publish this beautiful, moving diary as your second book when the war is over, Viktor, so people can read how things were.
Dear Emily, thank you so much for your compliments. I have so many thoughts inside my mind to convert into books that it really brings me some anxiety because I'm not getting organized enough to bring them into "readable" stories, but I have several plans and you will be the first to know when anything comes to be a reality. πππππ
Itβs hard to be organized when you are daily grieving. You pour your grief into words for the listeners, the helpers, the concerned. We take them up and turn them into prayers for Ukrainians πΊπ¦ and whatever help, no matter how meager we can give. diane
Viktor, the Africans have a saying, "When elephants fight, the grass is trampled." You offer us the stories of the grass, your people. Without you, we wouldn't know about the suffering. Just cold numbers on screens, impersonal, with no pity. Your reports are vital to those of us outside Ukraine.
Thank you dear friend, you know, some comments are worth printing in a big paper to be the first message I see when I wake up, or to be written in a tiny paper but enough to be placed in my wallet to be read anywhere at anytime. Yours is one of these, absolutely, because it remembers me exactly why I'm here. I was thinking one of thee days that this Substack became something that I love so much to do that I am thinking about it, about what I am going to share and tell here, for 24 hours a day, which may seem weird, but it's true because I dream with articles, sometimes they are even on some nightmares (when there's Trump and Putin, of course), I also think on them when I'm driving, when I'm working, anything....
And still, on the African saying, let me share that one of these days I saved a quote from someone I unfortunately forgot, but I remember it was from someone from Africa too. The quote said
"Where does love go when we stop loving? In truth, it doesnβt leave, it stays. The capacity to love remains within you. Thereβs nothing wrong with falling out of love. Your ability to love endures, no one can take that away from you."
I found that so beautiful that I saved to share it someday, and I didn't found the opportunity until now. Thanks for that and for everything!ππ
Thank you for this and all you do every day to keep us in touch with the world you live in. And again you have brought me to tears. Thank you. That I can still cry let's me know I am still human and still alive.πβ€οΈπππΊπ¦π»
"Letting it get to you. You know what that's called? Being alive. Best thing there is." --11th Doctor, /Doctor Who/, "The Doctor's Wife." Episode full of wonderful lines. :)
You're a beautiful person. Your words speak for your countrymen and you don't leave out anyone. It takes a special person to see and feel all of it. Never change.
Dear Mary, the beauty is completely in your heart, because although I interpret the reality that surronds me and the feelings that I cannot control inside me, in the end I am only the messenger, and nothing would be possible if you aren't sensible enough to feel connected to this people and this nation so far away from you (in the map, but never in your hearts). ππ
Messengers are vastly important, Viktor, especially when they carry the truth. :)
We as social creatures would be lost without them.
It is said that the English word "angel" came from a Greek word meaning "messenger."
Perhaps that is exactly your destiny, to be fortunate enough to have electricity and a screen (most days) so you can tell the stories when the people are unable to. You are here to remind the world of the pain and suffering and to tell us the TRUE story of war. So thank you for your courage and your determination and for your beautiful way with words. They affect my soul. Slava Ukraina πͺπΊπ¦
Thank you for being the voice of those who otherwise would have none.
Thank you dear Julie. I try my best, and I feel that I'll never manage to make it as strong as it needs, but I'll keep trying! ππ
Your eloquent voice truly brings the truth of Ukraineβs plight to the world. It is hard for us who have their bellies full and a bed to sleep in to imagine such suffering and misery your people are enduring. I truly hope this war comes to an end very soon. Your people deserve such love and respect. Bid bless them and you! Stay Strong!
Keep writing, Viktor.
Sadly, your title is so very true. And, all of us wishing and praying that the situation would improve isn't changing anything. I truly am so sorry that Ukraine is suffering. To say that I am with you mind, heart, and soul is absolutely true, but I know it doesn't help one bit. I wish that Russia's efforts would be squashed! I wish that Ukraine could have its life back! And, yes. I'll keep hoping for better times. Something has to give. Life has to change for the suffering poor.
Deli,
Be they thoughts of love, support or prayer, it means and is appreciated more than you imagine. Keep being the beautiful and compassionate person that you are!! β₯οΈ
Jaye, your sentiments made my eyes water. You and I--- and countless others, no doubt!--- have great love and respect for the people of Ukraine and wish them all God's blessings. I'll continue to pray for peace and their well-being. God bless you sweetly!
There are ways to donate directly to Ukraine, through such websites as: https://u24.gov.ua/
and there are others that can be trusted to get money where it can do the most good. :)
We can send our best wishes along with what we can. :)
Thank you! I'll look into this.
I know for a fact, Viktor, your writing skill and humanity have brought attention to the awful plight of your fellow Ukrainians. Iβm sure I am not the only one who can no longer look away from the horrors happening in your country every day. I hope you keep writing for as long as you are able. Slava Ukraini
It's a shame, isn't it, how organizations and the media use people's suffering to generate interest, but they don't truly show the people enduring the suffering. Writers like you flip that on its head. Through reading your work, I see and feel the humanity of the people living through wars they did nothing to create. Suddenly places like your Ukraine, or like Gaza, aren't just distant countries across the world, but places and people I carry in my heart everywhere I go and in everything I do.
ππ
ππππ
ππππππ (π₯²)
Those people who arenβt seen β¦ you just showed them to the world. You have a gift with words and as all noble writers before you who have used their words to make the unseen seen, you are honoring those people with your words and before the eyes of the world. Stay strong!
Viktor, the reality of this war comes to my eyes so vividly through your writing and my heart breaks for you and your people. I hold you and the people of Ukraine in my prayers. Stand strong Ukraine.
Victor your efforts are important. You and all Ukrainians are important to us. I think of you every day. I wish this war to end soon. I hope you have the best chance ever for some normalcy after this horrific period is over. Stay strong Ukraine.
Viktor, my heart aches to be able to do more, than care. We see with your eyes. We are listening. We empathize for the suffering and loss.
Your whole country is a lesson in courage.
The world must bring peace and justice.