Tatyana Kirillova

“When the war started, life became very difficult and scary, so as soon as I got the call to go to western Ukraine, I agreed,” recalls Tetyana Kyrylova, one of the residents of the shelter.

The woman arrived from the town of Novohrodivka in Donetsk region. In her 68 years, she has enough sad memories. It all began in early childhood. Due to vision and hearing problems, her mother couldn’t cope and was forced to send her to an orphanage. Life there left a mark on Tetyana’s personality: she became withdrawn, distrustful, seemingly unfriendly, but at the same time very sensitive.

Childhood was difficult for Tetyana; she lacked the warmth of family, the comfort, and the maternal care and love. After the orphanage, Tetyana entered a sewing school, and after graduating, she worked at the Novohrodivka garment factory. The girl was very beautiful, but due to health problems, her family life didn’t work out.

Later, she met a man, and Tetyana felt like a happy wife. Her husband had a son, and she grew very attached to him, as she did not have children of her own. While staying at the shelter, she often remembered her stepson, called him, and worried, especially when the city where he lived was occupied.

Tetyana also has a sister. In the distant past, her sister married and stayed in Russia. When the war began, the sisters felt great pain and difficulty being on opposite sides of the front. Tetyana often remembers her sister and dreams of reuniting with her.

“When we were heading to the shelter, we were assured that everything would be great here and that they would help us. And that’s exactly what happened: we were met by sincere and kind girls who take care of us every day and treat us like family. We celebrated Holy Evening, Christmas, and Easter here. We rejoice and feel sad, plan and dream. And all of this is thanks to this wonderful team,” says Tetyana. “Here, I underwent various tests, they changed my hearing aid, and I received regular consultations from my family doctor and other specialists I needed for my health. Caritas organized for me to be examined at the Regional Clinical Hospital and at the St. Luke Clinic. Although it’s impossible to resolve the health problems I’ve had since childhood, I’m grateful to everyone who wanted to help me with this.”