In December 2021, I discovered and watched Colm Flynn’s documentary “Finding Banni”. 

After watching the documentary I found the orphanage on Facebook; I friended their page and messaged the director.

When news of a possible invasion of Ukraine from Russa, I followed the uptake of tanks and arms on the Ukrainian/Russian border, fearing for the orphanage. On 2/20/22 their page went dark. That was the last I heard of any of them, though I searched the cams situated on the polish border for the next month, hoping to find their bus…or something.

Since then, I have followed this invasion ruthlessly, listening to every podcast, watching every video, reading every article. 

I have added learning about Ukrainian history, reading Ukrainian translated literature and listening to Ukrainian music. I tried learning the language but that seems to be beyond me. I’ve investigated volunteering in Ukraine, hoping to work with special needs adults and displaced elderly.

Thus my love and respect for Ukraine, its politicians, citizens, soldiers and volunteers. They represent all I find good in humankind morally and ethically…a people willing to fight for their right to choose their own destiny.

I may have missed the life and breath of Ukrainian’s fight to be free in the early 2000 while I focused on my own life, but I will not miss the chance to watch yet another country gather and fight against Russia for the same. I am keeping my eyes on  Georgia.