All of our hearts are broken as we watch the horrific pictures coming out from Ukraine, there really are no words to express our emotions.
The pictures of Dads having to say goodbye to their children makes my blood run cold, Mums taking their children to places of safety and then courageously returning to their homeland to fight for their freedom.
None of them know if or when they will be reunited.
How we all take our freedom for granted.
I listened to a Mum saying that she had bought bulbs to plant in the garden the weekend war broke out, and she and her family had to flee for their safety, how many of us are planning things to do this weekend? We can not imagine how it would feel to have to pack a bag and leave our homes, our jobs and family.
I am sure we all feel helpless as we witness the atrocity coming through our TV screens minute by minute.
As in years past, people all over the UK are coming together, volunteering and working together in any way we can.
Often in times of trouble it brings out the best in us.
Things that seemed to be so important, suddenly pale into insignificance.
Torn Apart.
A Dad stands at the station
Clutching a child’s toy
A little ambulance
A vehicle of support.
He crumples, his legs fold
His arms empty
Now wind themselves around him
Shock prevents the tears.
Just a few days ago
A family meal around his table
Children laughing
All he ever wanted.
What now?
He has to return
To pick up a weapon
To defend his country.
His face shows
What a broken heart looks like
Desolate, despairing, damaged
His life is changed forever.
How is this allowed to happen?
After two years of the world engulfed by a virus
Nothing learnt, from years gone by
This time a human virus is the destructor.
Yesterday, even new life was not immune
Mums expecting babies
Lost forever
What had these innocents done.
Nothing.
We all stand in solidarity with Ukraine
And it’s people
Never take our freedom for granted
Be thankful every day.
Jane Jackson March 2022
