March First; My Thoughts on What is Filling the News

Finally March.

I have always looked forward to March for several reasons. Anticipating Spring’s arrival and warmer temperatures being top of my list. Nature around me waking and springing back to life. I do look forward to putting away the sweaters and coats and opening windows to let the fresh air flow through the house.

Right now, I am sitting here, having consumed nearly a pot of coffee while enjoying the sun shining in my window. I am watching the cats, listening to the birds and struggling to write. All the words circle back to one topic. All my emotions are centered on what is filling the news and social media feeds. Ukraine.

We see the reports of Russia invading Ukraine, big country going after small country. The thing is, what bothers me is, the people being hurt. The people being killed. It doesn’t matter the reasons offered, those are people. Humans, of all ages. It isn’t just buildings and land. It isn’t just resources and power grabs. It is a land inhabited with people who are facing a horror they should not be facing.

Many have and continue to flea to a hoped for safe place. Neighboring countries welcoming them, offering shelter, food, help.

Many have sought shelter in unused subway tunnels. Seeking safety, seeking to protect their family.

Some have remained in their homes, hoping for an ending, a resolution, a turning back of the invaders.

Many have walked away from lifestyles and positions and taken up battle gear and arms to protect their country and home.

Their fear is deep and real. Whether they leave or stay, the nightmare is there. The threat is there. An invasion that should not have ever happened and has no signs of ending soon. Even as the Ukrainian people stand their ground.

As the invaders progress deeper into the country, the Ukrainian people have asked for help and answers are coming.

Countries are standing up and speaking out. Sanctions are in place and increasing. Companies are pulling out of Russia, walking away from lucrative business because they cannot agree and support what Russia is doing. Volunteers are headed for Ukraine to help in the fight. To help in noncombat roles. To show support for a land and its people who are standing up against this invasion. Who are standing up fighting for and protecting their land and freedoms.

But people, innocent civilians, military on both sides, are being injured and killed. Because one individual made the decision and gave the order while sitting hidden away. Evil, cruel, malicious, how many adjectives can one list to describe one who seems to have slipped across a mental health line? How can one describe actions that bring harm not only to Ukraine but to his own people and country?

How does one describe the coming together of so many different countries and governments in agreement against this act? Their languages may be different, but the voice and thought the same. Condemning a violent and illegal act.

I sit here in a sunlit room sipping coffee and watching cats. Across the world people have sought shelter as they listen to explosions and gunfire. I see the news, I see the posts on social media. I see where donations can be sent. I can’t travel across countries to assist in a war. But I can do as I can to support those who do go. I can join others in prayer. For Ukraine, for the innocent on both sides, for those in the actual battle and those who are preforming non battle activities. I pray for the world, because should Ukraine fall, it will only be the beginning.