Military Hospital

Full Photo Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAWVCX

After visiting severely injured soldiers at a military hospital in an undisclosed part of Ukraine, I more firmly believe in Hedonic Adaptation (baseline happiness), a theory positing that most people generally will eventually return to their baseline level of happiness, regardless of what happens to them, good or bad.

The brave warriors I met who sacrificed their bodies to Russian munitions for freedom and democracy were upbeat, smiling, and eager to have us tell their stories. They said they consider their sacrifice supremely honorable, and so do I.

A few were fresh from the front, still adapting to their new situation and in great physical pain. Some of these did not wish to be on camera. We, of course, respected their wishes.

Galynda and Volodymyr are dedicated civilian volunteers intent on keeping patients’ spirits high. Marta works for Volodymyr’s ceramic company in the civilian world and was my English-speaking contact. She provided translation despite her emotions. The dedicated doctors and staff offer care and rehabilitation and a dose of positivity.

I wanted to give a morale boost to the patients, but instead, they gave it to me. I entered sad and tentative but left awed and inspired. Shortly after I visited, many in the USA celebrated our independence thanks to the brave sacrifice of so many before us.

It was moving to consider how our democratic ideals have inspired others, most notably Ukraine, as they seek to defend theirs. Again, spending time with Ukraine’s honorable, brave, and wonderful people has been a blessing. A memory that has changed me in so many ways forever.

Slava USA! Slava Ukraine!