To my godson heading to Ukraine…

To my godson and his wife:

When I first heard you were going to Ukraine, I had just read an article about Putin’s itchy nuclear war trigger finger. I did not want you to go. I wanted all of the people I know in Ukraine out. I was scared for you: as a mom, as your godmother (before you decided to become an adult and all that), and as a human: I do not wish that situation on anyone. My fear quickly led to thoughts of “You couldn’t possibly have thought this through.”

I apologize. I only have to ask myself “What if it were Brazil?” to know that I’d be moving all my mountains to make something happen. And I know that Ukraine is to you what Brazil is to me. Once I put aside fear, I find a bit of jealousy sneak in, wishing to be on the front lines with you. I think everyone is a little sick of reading headlines without outlets to do something that feels real (but how cool is the Airbnb idea, huh?).

It's really great that you guys are in a place where you can go (without kids, with the finances, with your health), and I am proud to be able to support you (with still a bit of fear and trembling that I’m working on). It’s been surreal to see this conflict unfold and I can’t really seem to wrap my head around the reality of war. Mr. Rogers so beautifully said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” I am glad you are a helper. Our prayers are with you both.