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Bella_Babe's avatar

Beautiful, and close to my heart right now. Thank you πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ πŸ’™πŸ’›β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ

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Carol's avatar

Yes, Viktor! As someone who has suffered from clinical depression, this rings completely true and understandable to me.

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Maggie Boyd's avatar

You keep the hope alive, Viktor, by writing each day. I just subscribed as a founding member. I hope others will do the same. I have been a supporter of Ukraine since you were invaded and will continue to support Ukraine. I have been donating to BlueCheck Ukraine, Spirit of America, US Ukraine Foundation, and Nova Ukraine. If you know of other charities that would help Ukraine, please let us know. The US needs to continue its support and I will even if the government does not. And I am not the only one. There are plenty of people who support Ukraine. Thank you , Viktor. Stay safe and continue to keep us informed. We feel your pain.

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emily berleth's avatar

There’s Razom for Ukraine. It’s 4-star on Charity Navigator.

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elliemae.padme66's avatar

United24 or United Help Ukraine, or World Central Kitchen all are to be commended for helping Ukraine.

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elliemae.padme66's avatar

United24 or United Help Ukraine, or World Central Kitchen all are to be commended for helping Ukraine.

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Maggie Boyd's avatar

Thanks, Emily. I just donated to Razom!

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emily berleth's avatar

Wonderful, Maggie.

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Mona Furca's avatar

White Stork

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Carmen D. Wiseman's avatar

ROLDA rescues, shelters, and rehabilitates pets abandoned in Ukraine because their people have left the country or been killed (https://rolda.org/breaking-news-ukraine/). Greater Good Charities is committed to long-term support in Ukraine (https://greatergood.org/our-response-to-ukraine-crisis). For Canadians: the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

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Michael Moore's avatar

Depression I understand… personally. Seeing past the masks we put up for survival. I see you my friend and brother. You are loved as are the rest of the citizens of Ukraine. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ β™₯️

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Donna Conway's avatar

I pray for you and Ukraine πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦. I pray also that the people in our country come together and fight for our freedoms, before there are no freedoms left. I take courage from from you and your country, that in the end, good will overcome evil. When we lose our compassion, what is there left to fight for?

I stand for Ukraine and those here in my country who still know right from wrong.πŸ™πŸ’”β™₯οΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡²

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Ellen Lake's avatar

Oh, Viktor. I am so moved by your writing today. My prayers for you and your family and your country seem to never be enough. I can’t wish or even pray this war away, so that all of you can begin healing, begin rebuilding. I am sorry for your pain.

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Norm's avatar

It amazes me that some small-minded people are unable to understand the concept that an attack on one is an attack on all. Based on your posts, Viktor, my guess is Ukrainians understand that very well. You folks live it every day, whether the missiles hit your town, or the town down the road. All Ukrainians suffer, regardless of where the missiles land. Trying to live a normal life during a war may be impossible, but it does not mean it is not worth the effort. Stay strong as best you can, Viktor. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

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TM's avatar

It turns out that all any of us really have is each other.

I'm holding you and all of Ukraine right here in my heart, Viktor.

#HoldFast

#SlavaUkrainii πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

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Elizabeth Skinner-Orgeron's avatar

Yes, and it truly sucks (please excuse my American slang) to have to pretend you're all right when you're falling apart on the inside. I'm so sorry that you have to go through that, both in your personal life and as a nation. You are loved by so many people - thousands if not millions around the world - and your country is, too.

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Greeley Miklashek, MD's avatar

Sadly, we in the US are also a broken nation led by White Nationalists who have control of our government and don't give a damn about Ukraine. I attended a "NO Kings" rally last Saturday, while the Mad King Donald the 1st was honored by US soldiers marching in slovenly fashion and in quiet rebellion against his Fascist regime. You/we are NOT alone!

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Nancy's avatar

And just recently, Donald I had been attending the G7 conference but bugged out in the middle of the night, before Zelenskyy showed up the next morning. There's been speculation about Israel/Iran, but so far the only thing he said was more important than a cease-fire was putting up two flagpoles on the White House lawn... X-P

I think he was either dashing back to get in the Situation Room or War Room with his "advisors" (God help us all)...or just didn't want President Zelenskyy to show him up again in public. ;)

My bet's on that last...I envy you your real president, Viktor! :-/

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Catherine Jones's avatar

As another who deals with depression I feel your struggle… the little routines that bring hope and a moment to step away from the pain, that will keep you going. We love your country, you are not forgotten, we see through the propaganda 😟

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Melanie's avatar

You're right- we all smile even when inside we feel overwhelmed, sad and/or discouraged, and anxious, if for no other reason than to not worry our grandchildren or disabled spouse or neighbors dealing with very difficult problems. Yet, when I dare to reveal my real feelings just a little bit, the responses I get leave me awed- whether it's a clerk in a store I've not met before, a fellow pedestrian waiting like me for the light to change so we can cross safely, or a person I know.

Because my opening up prompts their opening the door too, often when my comment didn't seem particularly significant. Next thing I know it gets real, because letting down our guard opens hearts. Whether brief or a chat, the exchange makes me aware we are all connected, and that alone is enough to lift my spirits.

It's simple: connecting is an act of love. Like your decision to share your journal people responding. We recognize not just our shared humanity, also a shared responsibility to build up, not tear down, and to resist injustice wherever we encounter it.

I've followed news about Ukraine since Russia invaded, taken action politically, donated to groups able to send medical and other necessary supplies. The Atlantic, NYT & PBS News Hour provide valuable information, but with my spouse's worsening disabilities, I don't read/watch every day; too much stuff to do to keep us going with no outside help. But since learning about your journal 40-ish days ago, I always read your posts. Often not until much too late to be up. I read your words because what you share is honest, from the heart, insightful- and a moral compass for all of us. The world needs your voice Viktor. Even when you don't hear from me, I'm with you. Take care!

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Ethan Rogati's avatar

I have been depressed, to some degree, for much of the last 25 years, due to a chronic mental health condition. But my life is largely at peace.

Thank you for sharing so openly.

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Sara's avatar

I volunteer with an organization, ENGinprogram.org, that matches English speakers with Ukrainians who want to learn English. I thought I'd be doing grammar lessons but it turned out that they just wanted to talk to someone who wasn' t living in the middle of a war. All of their circle was exhausted and not able to give anything. I was a fresh person just to listen. Which has been my privilege. This week I'll start with my third conversation buddy - a member of the military. It's an honor to make these friends.

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Marie Lachat's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Viktor. It may seem we forget but many, many Americans do not and many carried sign as we rallied last Saturday to express their support and love of Ukraine. I am glad that I have learned to say β€œSlava Ukrainii”

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Kristie's avatar

Viktor,

I've been there. Its like being lost in darkness. You see the sun but there is no warmth, just cold despair. But you keep moving, one day at a time, one step at a time. The love you have for your family, your country makes tomorrow possible. Hold on Viktor. Ukraine hold on. Tomorrow is coming. Don't give up hope. This American's prayers are with all of you.

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