Some families are giving up new lives in the EU in favor of returning their children to Ukraine, where they have found that home is much better, even though it’s on fire.
Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦 May Ukraine survive this, and may the war end soon.
I do not feel that Trump should be involved at all in negotiating an end to the war. It should be Europe or a neutral country. The US should back off. They only want what Putin wants. What Putin wants is evil.
Thank you for your comment! Do you think a truly neutral country even exists in this situation, and if so, which one would you trust to mediate fairly?
The stress of relocation due to war seems unimaginable. This essay describes the difficulties of being a refugee very well. It is perfectly understandable that many Ukrainian families would want to return home.
Absolutely!Do you think the desire to return home is driven more by emotional attachment or by practical factors like rebuilding stability and normal life?
Y'all asked about homesickness. Well, I've experienced it a few times, during my military service or when I've had to be away from home for work. It can be debilitating. Fortunately, I've been an avid reader since I was a child. I can pick up a new book or revisit an old favorite and immerse myself in a different world for a few hours. I reread Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" while I was in USAF basic training. As a distraction from an unpleasant now, reading works well for me.
I read a wide variety of literature, but some authors draw you into their world better than others. Mark Twain, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Larry McMurtry are among my favorites. There are so many great authors to choose from.
A few years ago, I found myself confined to a hospital for several months, in a city on the other side of Texas from my home. That was probably the worst case of homesickness I've ever had because, aside from treatment sessions, I was idle. Some friends gave me a Kindle ebook reader. I didn't think I'd care for it, I'm kind of old-fashioned, but the ability to purchase and download books anywhere the internet is available, plus the ability to carry thousands of titles around in a compact package, won me over. Now, ebooks are about the only type of books I buy. My house is already full of books. Ebooks and digital magazines really cut down on the clutter.
Are there any Ukrainian authors available in English translation y'all could recommend?
Not one thing in particular. As a retired journalism professor, I am drawn to “original” stories that enlarge a reader’s understanding and examine aspects that have been overlooked. It is important to consider the many, many ways that war impacts people, including children.
Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦 May Ukraine survive this, and may the war end soon.
I do not feel that Trump should be involved at all in negotiating an end to the war. It should be Europe or a neutral country. The US should back off. They only want what Putin wants. What Putin wants is evil.
Thank you for your comment! Do you think a truly neutral country even exists in this situation, and if so, which one would you trust to mediate fairly?
No I don't, but I would take one that was less upfront in benefitting personally. South Korea, Japan, South Africa, Spain, Brazil.
The stress of relocation due to war seems unimaginable. This essay describes the difficulties of being a refugee very well. It is perfectly understandable that many Ukrainian families would want to return home.
Absolutely!Do you think the desire to return home is driven more by emotional attachment or by practical factors like rebuilding stability and normal life?
I think both. Especially stability and a normal life would be key for a young child.
Y'all asked about homesickness. Well, I've experienced it a few times, during my military service or when I've had to be away from home for work. It can be debilitating. Fortunately, I've been an avid reader since I was a child. I can pick up a new book or revisit an old favorite and immerse myself in a different world for a few hours. I reread Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" while I was in USAF basic training. As a distraction from an unpleasant now, reading works well for me.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Do you find that certain genres or authors help you cope better than others when you’re feeling homesick?
I read a wide variety of literature, but some authors draw you into their world better than others. Mark Twain, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Larry McMurtry are among my favorites. There are so many great authors to choose from.
A few years ago, I found myself confined to a hospital for several months, in a city on the other side of Texas from my home. That was probably the worst case of homesickness I've ever had because, aside from treatment sessions, I was idle. Some friends gave me a Kindle ebook reader. I didn't think I'd care for it, I'm kind of old-fashioned, but the ability to purchase and download books anywhere the internet is available, plus the ability to carry thousands of titles around in a compact package, won me over. Now, ebooks are about the only type of books I buy. My house is already full of books. Ebooks and digital magazines really cut down on the clutter.
Are there any Ukrainian authors available in English translation y'all could recommend?
Another excellent story. 💙💛
Thank you so much, Barb! 💙💛
Do you have a favorite part or moment from the story that stood out to you?
Not one thing in particular. As a retired journalism professor, I am drawn to “original” stories that enlarge a reader’s understanding and examine aspects that have been overlooked. It is important to consider the many, many ways that war impacts people, including children.
Thank you for this even-handed insight into why people return to or stay in a war zone.