A Teacher’s Resilience
Natalia Boyko, a 70-year-old retired primary school teacher, sat by the window of her apartment in the 14.3B unit of Senior Chudo Village, gazing at the tranquil surroundings. Her thoughts drifted to her beloved hometown of Berislav, a picturesque city nestled on the right bank of the Dnieper River.
Before the war, Natalia’s life had been filled with love and purpose. She had a devoted husband, two children, and a fulfilling career as an educator. Their home, located on the fifth floor of an apartment building, offered a stunning view of the river. Natalia’s heart swelled with pride as she recalled the beauty of her hometown, a place she cherished with every fiber of her being.
But tragedy struck in quick succession. In 2021, Natalia’s husband, her rock and support, passed away, leaving her heartbroken. Just months later, on January 6, 2022, her son succumbed to Covid-19. The weight of these losses took a toll on Natalia’s health, forcing her to retire from her beloved profession.
As the war descended upon Berislav, Natalia remained in the city for ten long months, enduring the escalating danger and the constant shifting of power. When the shelling intensified, she knew it was time to leave. On November 25, 2022, she sought refuge with colleagues in Kyiv, but the arrangement was short-lived.
Desperate for a place to call home, Natalia found temporary solace at a friend’s dacha in Brovary. As the seasons changed and the cold set in, she moved to a modular town, where she encountered the administrator who encouraged her to apply for a place in Senior Chudo Village.
Life in the modular town was a mix of blessings and challenges. While the residents strived to maintain cleanliness, the noise and bustle of communal living took a toll on Natalia’s well-being. Yet, even in the midst of hardship, she refused to succumb to despair. She found purpose in tutoring children and assisting them with their homework, her teacher’s heart ever-present.
When Oleksandra and her team visited the modular town in Brovary, Natalia’s life took an unexpected turn. Their conversation and the photographs they captured marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with hope and promise.
As Natalia stepped into her apartment in Senior Chudo Village on December 20, 2024, she was struck by the thoughtfulness and attention to detail that had gone into creating this haven. The positive atmosphere enveloped her, and she marveled at the care taken to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents.
Despite the challenges she faced, including thyroid issues and age-related changes that required medication, Natalia’s spirit remained unbroken. She clung to the hope that this year would bring liberation to her hometown, and she longed to return to the place that held her heart.
As she reflected on the lessons she wished to impart to the younger generation, Natalia’s words rang with the wisdom of a life well-lived. She urged them to cherish peace while they had it, for war had taught her the true value of a tranquil sky. She emphasized the importance of helping those in need, for kindness had a way of returning tenfold.
When asked about Dell Loy Hansen’s mission, Natalia’s eyes brimmed with tears of gratitude. She saw in his actions a shining example of humanity, compassion, and selflessness. The construction of a cottage town for elderly people who had lost everything to war, providing them with housing free of charge, was a monumental gesture that transformed lives. Natalia recognized that even one person or organization could make a significant impact in healing those who had endured tragedy.
As an elderly displaced person, Natalia knew that the greatest need was for kind words and companionship. She appreciated the amenities of Senior Chudo Village and only wished for affordable shops and pharmacies to enhance the infrastructure. She also suggested the creation of a shared first-aid kit in the administration office for emergencies.
In the twilight of her years, Natalia Boyko had found a sanctuary, a place where she could heal and find solace among those who understood her journey. And though her heart yearned for her beloved Berislav, she knew that the love and support of her newfound family in Senior Chudo Village would carry her through until she could once again set foot in the city that held her dreams and memories.