The heart-wrenching situation in Ukraine should be a wonderful reminder of the many blessings most of us enjoy.
Appalled by the high cost of groceries? Yes, grocery prices are ridiculous, and create a real hardship for the working poor and for senior citizens on fixed incomes. But we can help by supporting our local food banks. I donate to Road Runner Food Bank and to Meals on Wheels, which delivers complete meals to homebound seniors. The people who are under attack in Ukraine, afraid to venture outside their homes and who face empty grocery store shelves, aren't so fortunate. There are organizations rushing aid to these people. I have donated to the United Nations World Food Program, and my sister donated to celebrity chef Jose Andres's World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org).
Don't like the high price of gasoline in the US? Consider that despite the recent price spikes, we still pay less for a gallon of gasoline than do people in most countries. Norwegians are paying $10.675 for a gallon of gasoline. There is no way to help people pay for gasoline for their vehicles, unfortunately. Meanwhile, oil companies continue to gouge consumers and rake in record profits.
Don't like the cold weather where you live (this is a big one for me)? Be thankful that you have a warm, safe place to live that isn't being bombed. Many in Ukraine don't have a safe or warm place to live. Imagine living in a concrete basement or subway station, with your frightened children nearby.
Not sure about what to wear today? At least you have a variety of clothing, coats and shoes from which to choose. Millions who have fled or are trying to flee Ukraine have only the few items they were able to wear or carry with them in a small suitcase.
Your kids are bored at home? Imagine being a child whose home has been shelled and who was forced to leave while clutching a single teddy bear or doll.
Is your dog or your cat or your rabbit safe and well fed? Look at all the people in Ukraine who are fleeing for their lives yet still taking their animal companions with them. I saw a picture today of a woman in Ukraine carrying her elderly German Shepherd dog over her shoulder as they evacuated to safety.
You haven't seen your husband or family today? Imagine saying goodbye to your husband or boyfriend at the border. You cross to safety, while he returns home to join the fight against the invading army. You don't know whether your loved one is even alive.
You're upset because you can't get an appointment with your doctor for a few weeks? Or you need to take your sick child to the doctor, but you're too frightened to leave the shelter and take her for life-saving treatment. Or the hospital has been destroyed by Russian bombs. Now what do you do?
When you flip the light switch, do the lights come on? Does your furnace run? Does your microwave work? If this happens, consider yourselves lucky people. Ukrainians don’t have those luxuries.
If you get thirsty, can you turn on the tap and get a glass of water? Can you do laundry? Can you take a hot shower or a bath when you want to? The victims of this war in Ukraine don’t have that option.
If you have a safe, warm, dry place to sleep. If you know where you will get your next meal. If you have warm clothes. If your children are safe and happy. If you don't have to face bombs and gunfire on a regular basis ... quit complaining. Count your blessings. i know that this situation in Ukraine has made me more grateful. When I find myself complaining about the cold or the wind or an incoming winter storm, I stop myself and appreciate the fact that i can escape into my warm house, make food for myself, feed my dogs, take a hot shower and turn on the lights -- something so many in Ukraine as simply unable to do.
And please try to help the millions who are grateful to still be alive in the midst of an unprovoked war and immeasurable suffering.
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