Mariia Yarmak, 16 years old

Winner of the 2024 essay contest, 3st place

Mykolaiv Professional Industrial Lyceum

Teacher who inspired to write an essay - Liliia Hryhorivna Paul

 

«1000 days of war. My way»

War is very scary. I could never imagine that this would happen in my life. When I woke up on February 24, 2022, from the explosions, I was shocked to learn that war had broken out. I was filled with a sense of anxiety and fear.

People were buying everything in the shops, trying to escape the imminent threat. At that time, my family was unable to leave.

My life has changed dramatically. In a few weeks, we lost electricity, communication, and the Internet due to the actions of the enemy army. It was dangerous to leave the house because enemy vehicles were passing through our village.

When the village was shelled for the first time, everyone was afraid. With the arrival of spring, the situation worsened.

The whole world around us has changed: we were left without electricity and normal livelihoods. Restricted movement and hunger became our reality. Neighbours shared food, but even bread was rare.

In those dark times, it was important to maintain humanity. Every morning, I woke up thinking about the safety of my loved ones.

My mother, pregnant under occupation, was constantly worried about how to feed the family. My dad is a real hero. When she went into labour, the house was silent, but our hearts were filled with fear and hope. Dad became an obstetrician because it was impossible to call a doctor. Our little girl was born for the first time, and this moment became a symbol of hope despite the terrors that surrounded us.

We realized that even in the darkness, something beautiful could appear.

Meanwhile, we had to hide the mother and the newborn from the enemy, knowing that mothers with small children were being taken to the left bank and called Russians. Constant fear became a part of our lives when every unfamiliar sound made our hearts race. Despite the terrible circumstances, a spirit of endurance grew in our hearts. The first cry of our little girl, her little hands - these moments gave us joy.

Volunteers from Kherson also helped us a lot; they were our saviours, sending us children's clothes, nappies, and food.

We witnessed enemy soldiers looting our homes, taking away equipment, tools, and things of value. This increased the feeling of hopelessness. The neighbours united in this difficult time.

We supported each other, shared news and hopes, which allowed us to withstand the difficulties.

Finally, the day came when the terrible explosions occurred. It was our defenders who burst in, driving the enemy away and restoring peace. The joy was incredible. People came out of their houses and hugged each other.

Tears of happiness were on their faces, they were shouting: ‘Glory to Ukraine!’

Everyone started cooking borsch, dumplings, and other dishes for our heroes, celebrating their return to normal life. At such moments, we realized that even in the most difficult times, we could find joy.

During the nine months we spent under occupation, we had no electricity, no communication, no internet, and no normal food, but now that the enemy was gone, our village was filled with life again.

Volunteers came to support us after the occupation, providing people with food, medicine, and other necessities. Our village and other villages were featured in the news, and people were interviewed.

Although the war continues, and explosions continue to be heard all around us, we continue to believe that each new day brings us closer to peace.

People dream of a life after the war, where children can grow up in safety, where the rebuilt village will be filled with laughter and happiness again. Our little miracle is a symbol that, even in the darkest of times, life goes on.

We are ready to fight for our future, for freedom and dignity. Now, we draw strength from hope, from each new day that gives us the opportunity to dream of a better future.

We believe that together we can overcome all difficulties. Every small step towards recovery inspires us to make new achievements. We remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. We face challenges ahead, but we are confident of our victory every day.

The Ukrainian spirit is unbreakable, and we continue to move forward to build a peaceful and prosperous future for our children.