Vasya and Oksana were married for 23 years. They and their two daughters (16 and 22 years-old) were like many families living in Ukraine. They went to work and school, did chores together, ate together, celebrated together, and shared their joys and challenges. Their daily lives went on with air raid sirens in the background as a constant reminder that they are at war with Russia. But they had a strong faith that kept them going.
Vasya had his own business as a remodeler and Oksana works with MUCH as a massage therapist and is a devoted housewife.
Vasya was passionate about Ukraine and the freedom they enjoyed under the Ukrainian government. He felt that it was his duty to defend that freedom, so he enlisted in the army three months after the war escalated in February 2022.
Two years and three months after joining the army, Vasya was injured and sent to the hospital in his hometown to recuperate. He enjoyed time with his family and the local military chaplain while healing.
Once he recovered, he returned to his squadron. He told Oksana that his squadron was relocating, and communication would be very limited, but he would call her when he could.
Oksana and their daughters waited anxiously to hear from Vasya. Every time the phone rang a chill went up her spine. Was it Vasya, or the army calling to tell her he had died?
Last week, Oksana got the call that she feared might come. Vasya died serving his country.
He was injured in battle and was being transported to a military hospital with three other injured soldiers. On the way, a drone flew over them and dropped an explosive on the vehicle.
On a Friday morning, soldiers arrived at Oksana’s parent’s home with the closed casket holding Vasya. It was set upon two low stools in the driveway. The military honor guard unfolded a Ukrainian flag and stretched it out over the casket. Mourners placed flowers on top of the flag.
It was a cold dreary November morning. People filled the driveway, flowing out into the street. At the service, two ministers and a chaplain took turns leading songs and praying. A procession took the casket to a van and the people to a bus. They proceeded to the cemetery for a graveside service.
The casket was set on a cement platform two and a half-foot high. The soldiers stood at attention while the minister said the final words. Then the casket was carried to the grave and carefully lowered into the plot. Oksana and her daughters wept as four soldiers gave a 12-gun salute.
Their family was torn apart. What would the future be like without their patriarch who loved and guided them? They would miss him so much. Their grief and sorrow felt like it would be eternal.
