Ukraine Independence Day

Marking 31 years since Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union.
We took Tonya and Yurii to Skipton so they could join other refugees in marking this day. There were happy smiles but also tears, especially as they sang their national anthem. I think for many of them it is almost surreal that they are now in a different country, far away from loved ones.
One elderly lady could not stop crying, she was with her daughter and grandchild.
So many things that Tonya tells me about life in Ukraine makes me humble.
We complain daily about our country and our (awful) government but when I hear about life over there even before the war it makes me feel guilty for moaning about things.
After starting the day bucketing it down it turned out nice, though there is a definite Autumn feel.
Poem will be finished tomorrow.

Update - the poem.

231/365
Ukraine Independence Day

Smiles, laughter and tears,
waving their flags but
they know each other’s fears
and longing for home.
It’s a strange new life
and they make the best of it
far away from war and strife
and their old familiar ways.
But what of those left behind?
husbands, grandparents?
All we can do is be kind,
listen and just be there.

Goodnight :-)X