A Year of War
Why I’m proud to be Ukrainian-American
When I launched my business 7 years ago, I had a hard time finding an appropriate name for my company. I wanted to focus on Photo book design, but ‘Photo Books by Lida’ just didn't cut it for me. After much tinkering, I dipped into my Ukrainian heritage and came up with Znimka Creations. Growing up, the word Znymka was the word we used for ‘photo’. So, directly translated, my company name is 'Photo Creations'. I was proud then to tap into my background. And now, more than ever, to say I am Ukrainian.
At a rally in Chicago, February 27, 2022
This last year has been torture. Not because I have direct family still in country. But because my parents raised me in a 100% Ukrainian household. I have many connections to Ukraine and Ukrainian people. I grew up speaking Ukrainian in my home. We went to Ukrainian School every Saturday. We attended Ukrainian church every Sunday. I learned Ukrainian Dance every Wednesday and attended Ukrainian Scout camp every summer. Life wasn't "normal" for me. I was the kid of immigrant parents. The ones who came over on a boat through Ellis Island. And we were damn proud.
This war means so much to all the people of Ukrainian decent whether we were born there or not. We are proud of the strength and resolution we have had for centuries. And, so when we were attacked on Feb. 24, 2022, I completely lost it. I wasn't able to work. I wasn't able to focus. And, I certainly wasn't able to communicate what I was feeling inside.
I knew I wanted to help, but what can I do from the comfort of my cozy home? How can I help the millions of people who were displaced and stripped of their comforts?
Doing my everyday ordinary things felt wrong. Picking out ceramic tile for my new master bathroom felt lavish and selfish. Making spring break plans gave me guilt. I didn't even feel right doing any marketing or outreach on social media for my business. How could I promote my Photo Business when people were losing their lives on the streets of Ukraine? So, I took a break from marketing. I took a break from "selling". I took a break from "promoting" my business. And, instead, I redirected my energies to raising awareness, writing letters to local politicians, the White House and NATO, set up fundraisers, and praying.
Slowly, I got back into work. I had to. I have a business to run, and people haven’t stopped taking pictures, nor have they stopped needing my help. I welcomed the re-entry into work. It gave me something positive to focus on. I am fortunate that I love what I do and feel truly happy when I get to help people with their photo collections.
And now, a year later, I have found my new normal. My feelings regarding my heritage have grown stronger. My pride more prevalent. And, my appreciation to the allies of Ukraine overcome with gratitude.
This last year the people of Ukraine have shown extreme perseverance and resolve. Despite attack after attack, they pick themselves up and keep moving forward. President Zelensky continues to hold strong to his beliefs that we don’t give in to a bully. We don’t give away our land. And, we’re certainly not going to back down.
I will continue to hope and pray for Ukraine’s victory and hope that this unnecessary war comes to an end soon. I am damn proud to be Ukrainian and am so thankful to my parents and grandparents for instilling this Ukrainian culture, knowledge and language into me.
Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes protecting this sovereign country.
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