Natalia's Story: Before and After the War

Before the war, I was a completely different person — a bright soul with dreams and clear plans for the future. I had a big family. We often gathered around a long table to talk about life, share the latest news, and plan what was next. I loved those evenings — conversations with loved ones, warm memories, laughter, sharing secrets and dreams.

Every Sunday, we would go on walks. We strolled through the city, each time discovering new places — something fresh and inspiring. For the last five years before the war, we lived in Zaporizhzhia. And life was beautiful — full of joy, discoveries, and the simple, human happiness of just being together.

Then everything changed. War broke into our lives like a dark wave. My large, close-knit family was scattered across different corners of the planet. My daughter and my mother stayed in Ukraine, while I had to make some of the hardest decisions of my life. The most painful one — I lost my father. I never got to say goodbye. I couldn’t be there for his final journey. And that pain still lives inside me.

When that horror — called war — began, everything disappeared: safety, routine, the familiar. All that was left was one mission — to survive and save the children. The worst part was seeing fear in a child’s eyes. That’s when I did everything in my power to get my entire family out of Ukraine: my sister with two children and two grandchildren, my mother and father, and my own kids.

We lived on the floor in the corridor of our apartment. My son slept in the bathroom — because that was the safest place at the time. Every day we woke up with a prayer, just hoping we’d make it through one more day.

I hesitated for a long time — it’s terrifying to start from scratch in a foreign country, with a different language, a different mindset. But I knew it was the only path forward. First, we went to the Czech Republic, and then we made our way to Canada.

My friend Valya had already been living in Canada for a year. She told me how peaceful it was there, how easy it was to breathe. We applied for visas as a whole family, but only I, my husband, and my son received approval. My daughter stayed in Ukraine — she couldn’t leave her grandmother behind, and men weren’t allowed to cross the border.

When we arrived in Canada, volunteers from the Grassroots organization were there to welcome us. Among them was the family of Ted and Deb Dueck — people who embraced us like their own. They helped us with documents, with housing, and with finding a school for my son. Their support during those first months was priceless. We will forever be grateful to them.

Two and a half years have passed. Today, I can say with confidence: I am happy. I live in Canada. I’m learning to smile again, to dream again. My biggest wish now is to bring my daughter and her husband here and reunite our family once more.

I dream of having my own home, of receiving permanent residency, and of opening a small business one day. I believe that everything is possible. The most important thing is to believe in yourself, not give up, and move forward with God’s help.

I also want to address all Ukrainians: don’t be afraid to take the first step. A new life is a challenge, yes — but also an incredible adventure. We cannot change what has already happened, but we can change the future.

Dear Canadians, you’ve already become like family to us. Thank you for your big hearts, your good deeds, and your support. You’ve done so much for us, for all Ukrainians. May the kindness you’ve shared return to you a thousandfold.

You are light. You are hope. And you will forever remain in the hearts of all those you’ve helped. Thank you.