MEMORIAL
‘That tower is all that was left of our church after the
bombing.’ The old man spat comprehensively. ‘My lungs have never been the same
since the gas. I was a child then, sheltering in the crypt with my parents. The
ground shook so much it disturbed the foundations.’
‘You must have been terrified.’
‘It took them three days to dig us out, but our homes were
gone. Papa went off to fight - that was the last we saw of him. The tower remains
as a memorial to him and all the others who fought the aggressors.’
And I have two daughters-in-law from countries neighbouring Ukraine - one is Polish and one Slovakian. That brings the unthinkable far too close for comfort.
Pray for the Ukrainians, for all helping them, and for the Russian people who are also suffering under a rotten regime.
So poignant, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen.
DeleteA lovely tribute
ReplyDeleteThanks Neil.
DeleteAnother war, more memorials - will we never learn? Timely and poignant Liz.
ReplyDeleteIt seems we won't learn. One man votes himself a lifetime presidency and a vast country allows it. How the hell does that happen?
Deletewe will not forget. Always remember. The memorial is a stunning reminder.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, Susan - never forget.
DeleteBeautifully done and I can so understand it being so close to home for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dale x
DeleteI don't usually respond because it's difficult so I hope this posts. What a sad sad write. I want to say lovely, but it wouldn't be right. My heart is aching for the those in harms way. I worry for my pen pal&crafty friend who lives- lived- in Kiev and pray she and her family have escaped to safety. Dear Lord, please, hear our prayers for these people. Amen!
ReplyDeleteThank you for making the effort to comment, Tynder. We prayed last night at Ash Wednesday mass for the Ukrainian people. Amen indeed.
DeleteIt is my experience that those who want war always seem to get what they want. Difficult story, Liz. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bill. Putin is a warmonger to his rotten core.
DeleteA timely tale Liz, sadly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keith.
Deletewar is all about greed. those who have less want more and those who have more want more and more.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think Russia was big enough without grabbing more land.
DeleteYes, I have donated, and I constantly pray that this horror may soon end.
ReplyDeleteI can't stop thinking about it.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteAn ever-present reality. Well told.
Shalom,
Rochelle
The whole thing is just unbelievable.
DeleteIt hurts to contemplate it and beyond an understanding of the reality that is unfolding in your region of the globe. May the maniac be shut down soon.
ReplyDeleteAttempts have been made, but he's too well protected 🙁
DeleteYour story is what many have experienced over the years, and many are doing right now...
ReplyDeleteHope all is well soon.
Praying.
We are all praying.
Delete