War has become a commonplace word nowadays. After over a year, it seems that everyone has grown accustomed to hearing and using it. Not just a "situation" or a "conflict," but a devastating “war.” The horror it conveys has become a part of daily life, tragically dividing it into a "before" and an "after."
Nobody was ever prepared for such catastrophic events, for the collapse of the world as we knew it. Even the most pragmatic and well-prepared individuals could not foresee the horrors that have come with it. It is a terrifying journey from the moment of realizing what has happened, from the sound of alarming sirens to bombs raining down on peaceful cities, and to the loss of friends, acquaintances, and loved ones who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
All due to the senseless and cruel desires of one person, or perhaps the majority? Countless brave men and women now return home with disabilities. We hear only of the famous few — a singer who has a damaged eye or an artist who has lost their right arm — but there are many others who suffer even more severe injuries. Each one is a tragic reminder of the harsh realities of war.
It all seems like a terrifying movie, until it touches you personally. These men and women lived their lives just like anyone else until the war tore through their homes. And now, they may never be able to do what we take for granted, like walking or hugging loved ones.
We do not want life to come to a standstill, or for the war-torn generation to suffer permanent moral and physical damage. These are the very people who will not only rebuild Ukraine, but also shape the world at large.
During war, life takes on a new sense of urgency and significance as we become acutely aware of its fragility and the ever-present threat of losing it. Although it will never be the same as it was before the war, it persists as long as we have something to hold onto and fight for.