Summer Reflections
Summer has flown by, leaving behind a trail of bright and pleasant memories. On this warm autumn day, as I contemplate how it all unfolded for me,I want to share with you my impressions of this summer’s events.
My friends and family all know that my first day of summer begins with my birthday. On this summer solstice I was very happy to receive congratulations from my family and friends in Ukraine, as well as from my Canadian friends and colleagues. One of the sweetest and most precious gifts for me was simply a photo my cousin Ira sent to me. It was a delightful photo of myself, wearing a beautiful dress and a traditional Ukrainian wreath (in Ukrainian, a vinok). Using computer technology and her imagination, Ira created a field of my favourite flowers, peonies, surrounding my image.
Ira lives in Ukraine with a disabled child and cannot leave the country. She is forced to experience all the horrific actions and consequences of the war while living there. As I wrote in one of my previous articles, my cousin is also battling cancer. I never cease to admire her strength of spirit and kindness; her attention is very valuable to me. I try to support her as much as I can. Ira really loves my stories about Canada, and I enjoy sharing my impressions with her.
Here in Crowsnest Pass, in this mountainous region, everything the locals are used to is unfamiliar and unusual to me. For example, in Ukraine, I never saw deer on the street. It was also here in the Pass that I first saw the beautiful, brightly coloured Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia). And when I encountered a small bear cub that quickly crossed the road, I simply couldn’t believe my eyes. The fauna here is very diverse, and it’s amazing how well people coexist with it.
This summer was very rewarding for me. In July I volunteered at the Sinister 7 Ultra Marathon, helping guide participants along the route. It was my first time participating in such an event, and it was a wonderful experience. I remember a very touching moment when a young man, a marathon runner, burst into tears in the final minute of his finish. His parents were there to greet him. When they hugged, I saw the boy’s mother’s eyes filled with pride and maternal love. I really enjoyed the organization of the event. It had a warm, friendly atmosphere, filled with energy, joy, and mutual support.
Also this July, an interesting cultural event took place that left a lasting impression on me. It was the Crowsnest Pass Heritage Festival 2026. The festival’s opening program, “Through the Lens of Time,” took place at the Orpheum Theatre on July 31st. Rare footage from the Historic Coleman Parade and Rodeo Film Project was shown, accompanied by live music and theatrical performances. I’m glad I attended this event and intend to visit the Orpheum Theatre whenever possible in the future. The intimate and cozy atmosphere, along with the extensive programs the Orpheum Theatre offers, are all worthy of our attention.
A big personal thank you to the talented musicians from the band Mudlarker, who performed at this festival. These guys are a true revelation for me. They generously bestow their positive energy, smiles, and expert playing on various instruments on their audiences. They are also open, sociable, and cheerful people, and I look forward to our next meeting.
I also want to express my gratitude to the volunteers from Crowsnest Pass Adult Education, who have supported me and continue to support me in learning English and practicing it. I thank them for their patience and hard work, and for the time these wonderful women take to host our warm gatherings. And of course, thank you to my friends and everyone I’ve had the good fortune to meet and interact with.
Another summer event was significant for me was when my friends Maricar and Zander baptized their son, John Thomas. This joyful event took place at Coleman Seniors on July 25th. It was a great honour for me to be present at this event. It was very solemn, beautiful, and touching. But most importantly, I saw the happy eyes of the parents and the smile of their little one. I wish little John Thomas God’s blessing on his wonderful journey in life.
For Ukraine and Ukrainians, the summer of 2026 became one of the most difficult periods since the first months of the full-scale invasion. Massive missile and drone strikes increasingly targeted major cities far from the front lines. Kyiv became the most vulnerable to missile attacks. Residential buildings, medical and educational institutions, businesses, warehouses, transportation facilities, and cultural monuments were damaged. The destruction in the capital was not pinpointed, but distributed. During combined attacks, damage was recorded simultaneously in several districts, and the shock wave and debris struck hundreds of buildings and cars, causing casualties. Try to imagine this terrifying assault on cities in Alberta!
Other Ukrainian cities also suffered from missile strikes. A particularly severe incident in August was a double strike on the operating “Solnechnaya Galeria” shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih. There were fatalities and injuries. At the same time, attacks on ports, ships, and industrial infrastructure intensified.
On Wednesday, September 2, the Russian army directly struck one of Kyiv’s universities. This was the National University of Food Technologies, located in the city centre. Academic buildings were damaged. Classes were in session at the university at the time. 160 students were present. Fortunately, no one was injured at the time of the attack; the students were in shelter. (Source: 24tv.ua)
Life goes on as usual. The wind whips up and scatters autumn leaves. It seems that cold drops of rain will wash away our sorrow without a trace, and the silence of the almost deserted streets will compel us to listen to our hearts and follow their calling.
I wish everyone a kind and generous autumn. Peace to all!
