(The following is but a minuscule example of similar scenes that are today occurring across generations of Ukrainians.)
“There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.”
Nick Lampson
He sat in his chair, with hands gnarled, blue eyes faded, and a shell of the man from seven decades ago. There he sat, reflecting on his past life.
Instantaneously, it all came back to him when the thundering sound of distant artillery and small-arms fire ricocheting off buildings awakened his memories of a long-ago war. The smell of death, haunting sounds of wailing people, friends and family destroyed. The holding on to a friend as his life slowly fades,and seeing a mother holding and consoling an injured child, whose body was shattered.
So much was lost. The sounds of shouts coming closer, echoing between the buildings, signaled to him that it was the last call. He then pushed himself off the chair and sauntered into the bedroom. Meanwhile, his wife was watching and wondering what he was thinking as she too heard the sounds coming closer and the shouting of commands.
Suddenly, he emerged from the room, and tears began to cascade down her face. No words were uttered; before her stood the man whom she had loved for 60 years. He was dressed in his old army uniform, though ill-fitting, with his old rifle steadfastly held by gnarled hands.
Their country was invaded, and the army was outnumbered and outgunned. So, the call to arms was made and answered. She gingerly walked towards him, with a cautious and shaky gait, and looked into his wrinkled face—so many things to be said but all was left unspoken. She looked into his faded blue eyes, placed her hands to his face, and gently kissed him. He brought up an arm and hugged her. The bullets were now coming ever so close.
All of us bear witness to the invasion and slaughter of the innocent people and country of Ukraine. Please pray for the Ukrainian people and do whatever you can do to aid them. God bless all who are providing aid to them and prayers on their behalf!
“May we never forget that freedom isn’t free”
author unknown
