From: Roman Sheremeta – Two years ago I had one of the most painful conversations with a faculty I hired at American University Kyiv. Hanna was supposed to move to Kyiv, but she had to stay in Sumy – a city which at that time was completely surrounded by russians. I didn’t know if I would ever see her again. Here is that conversation:
Me: Hanna, how are you? Were you able to get out of Sumy? Do you need a place to stay in Western Ukraine?
Hanna: I stay where I am – in Sumy, with my parents. Both of them disabled, and need me. As soon as the situation comes back to “normal” the nurses might come back. Normally, I have two nurses working by shifts, but now they choose to be with their families. I am not afraid, if you ask me. I saw it coming since 2012. I will be okay, I think.
Me: How are you Hanna? Please let me know if you can get out of the city and come to Ivano-Frankivsk. I will help arrange the place for you and your parents to stay.
Hanna: Dear Roman! Both of my parents are disabled, and I don’t think that they will be able to cross the country. I stay where I am. Don’t worry about me. I am okay, and more than fine.
Me: Dear Hanna, I am so sorry. I have no words. I just pray for you to be safe with your parents. Your spirit brings me to tears each time. Let me know if there is any way I can help.
Hanna: I know from the bottom of my heart that everything is gonna be fine. We need to stay strong and keep believing.
Me: Were you able to get out of Sumy? Let me know. I could help you with a place to stay in Western Ukraine.
Hanna: Hi, Roman! Again thank you for your kind offer. As long as I can handle my parents here, I will stay here. Both of them are disabled and I am afraid they will not make it. So, if my house is not destroyed, I will be here. I hope that this invitation will work, if I change my mind. So far I am sure that I made the right decision. But who knows how the situation may change… Everything is gonna be Ukraine.
Voice of Ukraine 