One twin is precocious and full of life. He jumped from the car the moment they arrived and hugged me. “Babuschka VJ!” he exclaimed.
The other was asleep upon arrival and slept most of the next. He ran away when he saw me at first, and startled at any unexpected noise. “He has regressed,” his mother tells me over Google translate.
It’s been just shy of two weeks since the family arrived from Ukraine and we are slowly establishing routines, getting to know each other. Father started work last week joining nine other Ukrainians hired by a local company. Mom will wait till kids are settled into school before seeking employment. Fourteen-year-old Sofiia eagerly starts school tomorrow having made friends already.
The Ukrainian community here has grown and bonds are forming. Our little town has rallied around them to support in every way they can. Apparently I am now officially known as Babuschka VJ. A proud title.
“This family will soon be on their way,” Ric predicts in a quiet moment between the two of us. “Will we take in another family?”
“Not right away,” I respond. I have thought about it too. To be honest, I am exhausted. I need large chunks of alone time. “Maybe next time, we’ll just take a single person, or a couple. No children.”
But not for a long while.
(Image: Kiril, one of the 4-year-olds, discovering the splash pad.)
One Woman's Quest II 
Babuschka VJ is a wonderful honorific, and one you have deserved. But being a grandmother to many grandchildren has always been an exhausting proposition, so you need to take care of yourself, too.
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Exactly. Thanks Tanja!
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What a happy expression on that child’s face! Your reaching out to help others is amazing. 💕
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Thanks Eugi
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You’re very welcome, VJ.
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Oh, the expression on little Kiril’s face! You’ve really made a difference in these families’ lives. I hope you get the rest and recuperation you need.
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Thanks Liz. All in good time.
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You’re welcome, VJ.
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A priceless expression of joy! I salute you!
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😊
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Beautiful! I am sure your warm and soft place to land will help them be more resilient, VJ. But I am glad you are mindful of the rest and recovery you will need too!
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The little boy’s face says it all, you have given them normalcy. You are on an amazing journey with this family. Thank you for sharing your story. It is inspiring.
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VJ, you are to be commended. Thanks for doing this and telling the story. Keith
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Babuschka VJ sounds wonderful!
Bless you both for opening your hearts and home. ❤️
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Thank you!
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You are welcome.
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You’re doing an awesome job.
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Thanks Sadje!
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👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Wow! It’s very generous of you to open your house and arm for them. The state of affairs Ukrainians find themselves in is painful. I wish you and them strength, courage and lots of rest.
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Thank you
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