Today’s been weird. I was woken up at around 7 because of the sirens outside - it’s a warning for an air raid. I’ve heard enough of these when I was back in Kyiv, and I was so sure that this was just a phantom siren (something that’s sadly very common for ukrainians these days - hearing air raid alarms in your head) until I saw an alert on my phone. My family and I sleepily went to a safer place in our apartment where we hid until it was safe to come out. After breakfast I went volunteering once again. I noticed that the weather is deceptively nice and sunny lately. I was just finishing cutting up another fabric piece when there was ANOTHER air raid siren. Everyone in the centre scurried to the nearest shelter and I started to panic. I always get unreasonably scared whenever I hear the sirens. I mean, I’m in perfect safety, why should I still panic? But on the other hand, I’m scared for any other ukrainian city to be attacked. Especially the ones where so many ukrainians came to for safety. After waiting for the sirens to stop, I ran an errand and went back home for lunch and to get some rest.
Aside from that, I was listening to Out the back of Boomtown today while sewing. I think it’s a great EP, and I remember feeling very excited when I found out it was out because it was a big surprise to me!
A lot of Rats songs are tied to specific memories for me. I remember listening to that EP the day my old friend from school and I went around various charity shops together. We don’t have much time to talk ever since we both graduated, but I messaged her a few days ago and we both talked about how we’re dealing with the war and the stress that comes with it. Right now she’s in Lviv, but we figured out that once all this ends both of us need to do another charity shop run together.
Anyway, I hope you are having a good week. I wanted to thank you for sharing my letters and being patient with me. I know I keep saying this, but I need it and appreciate it so much. Take care, Paul
Keep safe x
Paul, we're all following the war in Ukraine daily....hoping that it is going to end soon and that with our help where you need it, your country can return to normal.
Stay safe, stay strong and keep in touch with us. Your messages are so inspiring.
Hi Major Paul,
Anyone in your position would be scared. You
really brave and it's amazing that you are volunteering too and thinking of others. I follow the news everyday and look for some positive outcome for the Ukrainian people. It's great that you listen to the Boomtown Rats. 🐀 Where did you first hear of this legendary band? For someone so young, you have a wisdom far beyond your years!
I was also listening to the e.p. yesterday too. Do you have a favourite? Keep in touch. Thinking of you and your country. 🙏
i cannot imagine the fear the sound of air raid sirens must bring. I heard about them from my father, but we have been fortunate in not having to worry about them here during my life. Having music is such an important thing and so glad the music of the band is there for you during this period. Stay safe…… and be sure to let your family know the Citizens of Boomtown are thinking of you all.
So Brave.......xxx.....I cannot imagine the horrors you encounter daily....UK Citizens feel trapped in Politics, frozen and unable to help....red tape/Nato etc.....but please know through aid generally from the UK and Bob's gig (he's a Humanitarian and always rises to a defend and help) that we all know how wrong this war offensive is from Russia,,,.it sickens me to the bottom of my heart....in the 20th Century in Europe? that atrocities like this can happen......"stay strong, stay safe" seem such useless words......my heart goes out to Ukraine.......SO BRAVE ❤️
So Boomtown Brave. Constantly in my prayers. You and your fellow countrymen. ❤️
You are braver than you give yourself credit for.Try to keep safe and listen to some more Boomtown Rats.
I don’t think your panic is unreasonable. It’s more than reasonable. Pretty traumatising. Just hearing it on the TV sends shivers down your spine.