t’s hard to believe that it’s already the second month of Spring. I still feel mentally stuck in February. But despite all the horrors that are happening in my country, life just seems to go on for everyone else.
More people are saying that the situation in Kyiv is getting more calm. Russians are slowly leaving nearby towns, the anti-aircraft systems are working and people are coming back home. One of my friends decided that her family might come back next week too. If things look good enough, perhaps I can convince my family to finally go home as well. It’s been almost a month since we left. I really hope Toki and Magnus are doing okay. I wonder if they miss me blaring loud music or not. I feel like an awful owner for leaving them both behind… But it’s not like I had a choice, sadly.
I’m lately getting lectured by some people online that a man should always stay and fight. I’m getting comments and messages like that on Twitter. “Why are you not picking up a gun to fight like other men do?”
It’s making me really insecure about not being able to defend my country properly, amongst other things. Yes, I know I’m not out in the battlefield, but I think everyone is currently doing their best in order to keep the country going. Doing something as simple as going outside to buy a coffee or get a haircut to keep the economy going can also be important. For now volunteering and donating whenever it’s possible is the best I can do.
Toki the frog......Left in Kyiv
Thinking of you daily, Paul. I'll echo those who say that Twitter is a poor source of human authenticity. I would be astonished if one single person admonishing you for not fighting would be put into the situation where they'd have to do the same, and even then, most of them would not have the courage of their convictions. May peace find you, your family, friends, and country.
I hope you are able to head home in the coming weeks, may be best to wait a little while though. One of the things we have learnt about the Russians (although we may have long expected) is that their perception of truth and reality are somewhat different at the moment. I think all of us would like to get home as soon as we could, but what do we know here in the relative safety and security of the UK. Stay safe?
Hi Major Paul,
Great to hear from you. I'm happy that things are a little calmer. I hope you can go back home soon, although it may be best to stay where you are for the moment if it is safer.
Don't take any notice of people on Twitter. First of all they are not important. Secondly, they are not in your position. I'm not so sure they would be brave to stay and fight. Lastly, you look to young to fight! What you doing by volunteering is brilliant as you are helping the soldiers in a different way that is also very important. You should be proud of yourself.
Take care ...keep writing too. It's good to know how you are doing and hopefully you find it a little therapeutic . Oh finally for now...keep listening to the Boomtown Rats! 🐀
thank you for sharing again. i miss a lot of things back at home, but Toki and Magnus are in top priority for me :) (if anyone here knows who they’re named after, i appreciate that)