The war in Ukraine has brought immense suffering and devastation to adults, children, and their families. Today, families are being torn apart not due to misunderstandings, arguments, addictions, or betrayals but rather out of love for one another and their country. What is even more heartbreaking is that Ukrainian children are being forced to grasp the concepts of "separation" and "death" at such an early age.

Meet Dominika, a three-year-old girl who adores her mommy, daddy, and sister. However, her father now resides in heaven while she remains on Earth with her mother and sister. Since the autumn of 2022, her father courageously defended the Ukrainian homeland and its people against the invading Russian forces.

Tragically, in February 2023, a sniper's bullet took his life. As difficult as it was, her mother needed to explain to Dominika that her daddy, who had a deep and genuine love for Jesus, his family, and people, is now in heaven.

Almost five months have passed, and this young mother is still struggling with the loss of her husband. Her daughters frequently visit their father's grave, bringing him flowers.

At home, Dominika takes pleasure in kneading dough and making cream cakes, as her father worked as a baker before the onset of this terrible war. Her mother says Dominika is always singing for her daddy so that he can see how much she loves him.

We often give something valuable or precious to those we love. As for Dominika, she loves colorful balloons, and she particularly delights in letting them go and watching them carried away by the wind high into the sky to her Daddy. It is her way of sending a message to him: "Hello, Daddy, I love you."

Credits to Julia Savchak