I have recently witnessed the devastating affects war has on separating families without warning.

This reality hit home for a family of three staying at our shelter: Sergei, his son Dima, and his wife Ira, who is blind.

One day, while my teammate and I were making bracelets with one of the girls, Dima came into the room in a panic. Through Google Translate, we were informed while his father was in town, he had been taken by military recruitment officers. Ira and Dima were devastated. We and the others staying at the shelter did our best to console them, but just like that, their family was torn apart without so much as a chance to say a proper goodbye. Three weeks later, they are still apart. Because of Ira’s vision impairment, she depended heavily on Sergei; now, young Dima is stepping up, taking on more responsibility to care for his mother. 
Another young girl who was at our shelter is being cared for by her grandparents and uncle because her parents are missing. They have no idea what happened to them—they don’t know for certain if they are dead or alive. Suddenly, these elderly grandparents have become caregivers and the uncle is trying to get the legal documents needed to receive custody of his niece.

These are only two stories among so many others.

Countless women and children are forced to say goodbye to the men in their lives, never knowing if they will ever see them again.

It is a good reminder that we never know how much time we truly have with those we love. Hug your loved ones close.

*names changed for privacy