Hamstrung?

I wake up every morning wondering if Kyiv has fallen.

My anger seethes during coffee and the beginning of my day, so different from dawn halfway across the world.

Anger at the cowards and bullies of the Russian government and their craven, despotic allies in Belarus. The common people suffer, as always; the soldiers duped into dying, the artists and musicians and families who want to have a normal morning over coffee and want the same for others.

Anger that I cannot go to Ukraine; I am a trauma nurse and a good shot; I could be useful.

I have to be careful.

Anger unbridled is pointless. Rage uncontrolled is destructive. Wasting the day I have been given only claims more lives, for I do not live in a bubble.

Breathe.

Give thanks for what I have; the three things I am grateful for in my life right now.

No guilt. I am where I am and I will find ways to help from here.

I resolve to try to live today well, being a force for good (or at least not making someone’s day worse).

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.-J.R.R. Tolkien

I received an email from my favorite costume company Armstreet, based in Ukraine.

Read their blog and to help their employees directly, buy a gift certificate to yourself then let it sit.