Ukrainian family finds strength amid war: A mother’s story of resilience and hope

In a small Ukrainian community, Olga and her triplet sons—Vova, Vlad, and Vitalik—navigate life with love, determination, and an unwavering commitment to family despite the challenges of war and disability. Olga, a school worker, and her husband, a military serviceman, have raised their boys—born just a minute apart—with a focus on togetherness, even as the conflict that erupted on February 24, 2022, reshaped their world.

Vova, the eldest by a minute, leads the trio, followed by Vlad, whom Olga affectionately calls “the golden middle,” and Vitalik, the youngest. The boys’ lives are filled with simple joys, holding onto moments of normality: family movie nights at home, walks along the riverbank, and trips to the cinema for cartoons. “We try to spend more time together,” Olga says, emphasising the importance of these moments in a country at war.

But life is not without its struggles. Vitalik, who navigates learning and mobility difficulties, attends school with a tailored learning programme. Accessibility remains a hurdle—only one ramp exists at his school, meaning stairs are the only option to access some classes. “The first obstacle is accessibility,” Olga notes, though she remains grateful for the small accommodations that ease their daily routine.

The war has added a new level of difficulty to Olga’s family. Air-raid alerts frequently disrupt Vitalik’s school day, sending him to seek safety in the basement shelter. “We are scared, but we still need to live,” Olga says, describing how her family has developed a quiet resilience.

The invasion’s onset was a turning point. On February 24, 2022, Olga’s husband was called to his military unit as explosions rocked their city. Fleeing their fourth-floor apartment, Olga and the boys sought refuge at her parents’ house outside the city, sleeping together on a makeshift bed on the floor. “It was better for the children, and much calmer for me,” she recalls.

Her husband, deployed with the military, stays connected through messengers, offering brief calls or messages when he can. His absence weighs heavily on the family. “We miss him a lot, we worry and hope that everything will be fine,” Olga says. When he returns, they celebrate with outings together.

Amid these challenges, this is when Lumos Foundation made contact with Olga. Initially sceptical— “Is it possible to receive gifts during the war?” Olga wondered—she was delighted when we were able to provide educational materials and books for Vitalik, just before Christmas. “Vitalik and all the boys liked it very much,” she says, a rare moment of joy in uncertain times.

The triplets have big dreams, inspired by their father’s service. “I would like to become a soldier and defend our Ukraine,” one says. Another echoes, “I would like to be a soldier like my dad.” The third adds, “I would like to defend our country.” Olga supports their aspirations but holds a deeper wish: “I really want them to live in a free country where there is no war. I want them to have a happy childhood and future life.”

As Ukraine endures this ongoing conflict, Olga’s story is a testament to the strength of family bonds and the quiet courage of those living through extraordinary times. For her and her boys, every day is a step toward that hopeful future.