In 1985,
I visited the Soviet Union.
The Cold War nation possessed
most of the traits you read about —
strange clicks when picking up a phone,
tour guides employed by government agencies,
limited ability to explore,
regular searches of bags, and
randomized interviews during travel between cities.
A couple in our group went off one afternoon
to visit an old synagogue without permission.
When boarding the flight to leave the USSR,
the couple was pulled and interviewed for hours
while the rest of us waited and worried on the plane.
My family lost loved ones
in both Kyiv and Minsk
during World War II.
Visiting these cities felt sacred.
But, what I remember most was the people.
Warm, curious, kind.
I left Kyiv in awe
of the men, women and children.
Today I remain in awe
of the citizens of Ukraine
whose battle started centuries ago.
It is time the rest of us
stood up with them.
A Reading Life 
Thank you for this post sharing your connected view to this horror. Somehow, I felt a sense of resiliency and fortitude from your words.
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What an interesting experience traveling at that time and place, leaving indelible memories.
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I continue to be in awe of the Ukrainian people – their strength and resolve. I pray for their safety and an end to this war.
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Every day I think about the connections between Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., connections forged through travel. I think we must stop Russia and must fo so regardless of gas prices, inflation, etc. And I’ve read some wild stories like the one you told about that couple. Scary stuff.
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I appreciate your succinct look back and connecting it to the here and now. I visited the Soviet Union in 1985, too! Moscow & St Petersburg and it was eye-opening to say the least. Like you, I stand
“in awe
of the citizens of Ukraine
whose battle started centuries ago.”
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Wow! I was also in Moscow and St. Petersburg on the trip. A memorable experience for sure.
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Beth, such a powerful post. 1985 wasn’t that long ago when we think of he continuum of history. Ukraine has endured so much yet remain such a proud, steadfast people. I didn’t realize your familial connection to Kyiv.
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