Remembering Ukraine. That situation hangs like a weight over everything we all do, all day, every moment, doesn't it? The other night I wasn't sleepy for some reason; but I wondered if anyone in Kyiv was able to sleep at all anymore.
A co-worker of mine worked her last day today at the library - she was with us for twenty three years. There was a nice party yesterday, but someone thought we should show up at eight o'clock tonight to give her a final send-off, if possible, since only three people work till closing. So, a few of us came with cupcakes and a balloon. She was touched, but she's not a sentimental person, and glad to be retiring. It's strange when they go, and another one will be leaving too, moving to Florida soon. There's a lot of that going on, it seems.
O great Physician of the soul
To whom the helpless pray,
We come to you to make us whole;
Oh, cast us not away.
Changes while part of life are still surprising in a way ❤ praying also for Ukraine for our world
ReplyDeleteYes.
DeleteThe Ukrainian war is horrific but the signs were there that this would happen. If only we hadn't assumed it wouldn't! We have Ukrainians working here in Britain, usually the man, who sends money back home but also younger couples. Some of these men have been setting off with friends to travel overland to Ukraine to find their families and bring them here. My younger daughter is terrified at this situation. Her generation have not had to deal with anything like this before. They were too young to be aware of the Iraqi wars and have not felt connected to all the ongoing troubles in the Middle East, in Africa, in Asia etc. It is the nuclear threat that makes the difference. I grew up with the Cold War and the threat of a nuclear strike if troubles arose. Because of 'The Troubles' (the ongoing IRA attacks) I was constantly on the alert for stray packages lying about which might be bombs and often were. There was the Vietnam War, the Falkland War, the Balkan Wars and so many other uprisings; we had to live with them and get on with our lives. Our prayers are with Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteI wish your co-worker well in her retirement :)
How right you are, Clare! How long have we been hearing rumblings about the Russians invading Ukraine. I do feel sorry for Elinor. I remember the days of Gerry Adams and the IRA; I remember when they blew up Lord Mountbatten. I remember listening to the World Service during the Falkland War.
DeleteBut now he has control of a big nuclear power plant - does it really provide electricity for much of Europe? And, what about the UK, Clare?