Peter Konik

Petr Konik is 83 years old. Before coming to the shelter, he lived in the village of Romashkove, Kherson region. With love, he talks about his village and his work in the collective farm. Though it was hard work, he enjoyed it. Every day he recalls his home, particularly the garden where he would tend to plants from early spring to late autumn, delighting in the harvest and sharing the fruits with his children and grandchildren.

“I lost my father during World War II, and my mother and I barely survived back then. I remember how sometimes German soldiers would treat us to sweets,” the man says through tears. “I never thought that I would have to experience the horrors of war again.”

“My wife didn’t live to see it—she passed away a long time ago. The village was soon occupied by Russian troops, and people were terrified. By God’s grace, we waited for liberation. Thank you to our boys!”

After the liberation, the village began to be heavily shelled, and staying there became dangerous. So, the children took care of their father and sent him to Ivano-Frankivsk. The workers of Caritas met the grandfather in Ternopil and brought him to the Shelter in Voinyliv village.

His son and daughter-in-law were worried about him, as he had health issues. The staff at the Прихисток immediately took charge of his care—they arranged for a new family doctor and helped him get the necessary medical tests and treatment.

At the Shelter, he met other residents, took part in group activities, discussions, and leisure activities. He particularly enjoyed talking with other people from Kherson, who, like him, loved their homeland, worked the land, and dreamed of returning to their homes.

In the old man’s eyes, there’s sadness for his home, his village, and for the springtime when everything wakes up, smelling of freedom and victory. The tears in his eyes speak of the indescribable pain of loss, while the support of the Shelter staff gives him strength and hope, reminding him that soon the war will end, and everyone will return home to live happily again with their children and grandchildren.