February 24, 2022

 

Feb 24: The Day Russia Invaded Ukraine. The whole world was watching women and children running for the borders, tanks rolling into the small border towns, missiles being launched.  It was Day One of The War, and she felt like history was repeating itself. In the early 1940's (roughly) her grandma (Elizabeth) grabbed her three kids (9 year old John, and 2 year old twins, Pete and Margaret) and ran, on foot, to escape the advancing Russian army who were invading her homeland: Ukraine. Elizabeth's husband had been taken from their home in the middle of the night and executed (along with all the rest of the men in their village) a few weeks earlier so she was alone, desperate to save her little family. The entire journey took almost a decade, mostly on foot, but eventually they made it to Canada. 

Her grandma's life was heavy on her mind all day. It was hard to concentrate at work; her thoughts were constantly overtaken with concern for the current Ukrainian moms while remembering the stories she grew up with about those other Ukrainian moms who risked everything to get out. 

After supper she went for a walk, by herself, hoping the fresh air and beautiful scenery would lift her heavy spirits. It was icy cold and everywhere she looked the setting sun was evident; both the mountains and the lake were bathed in rose gold.  It was beautiful. And soothing. And she was incredibly thankful for her life on the west coast. 

Feb 24: The Day Jonas Called. Later that evening, after returning from her walk, she was scrolling through her various social media accounts, sending private messages to friends and family, checking to see how they were doing. She sent a two line message to Mr. Armstrong, sharing a link of an article that mentioned him (which is a random but not unusual thing for her to do). Typically he ignores her, which is to be expected. He's a celebrity. And she's, well, not anything. 

Seconds after posting that link, her phone started buzzing, indicating that she was getting a call (for the first time ever) via the direct messenger audio feature. She could see it was from Jonas. 

Nope. Not answering. No way. Her body ignited and she had The Mother of all Hot Flashes. There was no chance he was intentionally calling her. Why would he? She started pacing around the living room, through the kitchen, behind the dining table and back again. She was sure this call was accidental. She sent him a message: Are you butt dialing me? 

He connected again.

So she did another walkaround the cabin, then answered. 

Hiya. She said.

Hey. He said. 

And she remembers very little after that. She started to take notes (! ) but put the pen down after 2 minutes. Because THAT was dumb. 

He had a warm, friendly voice. He carried most of the conversation because she'd totally forgotten how to formulate thoughts. He asked her where she was, how she was doing. (He'd seen a comment she'd posted earlier about the heaviness of the day ...) Asked her about Canada, and what the weather was like. He thanked her for supporting his career. He was on vacation when he called; told her he missed his dog and his family. She thinks in that order.  He was looking forward to going back home. 

For seven minutes that kind, generous man took her mind off the war, off Covid and Omicron, off government mandates and trucker protests, and just talked to her about ordinary, normal everyday things. He was relaxed and comfortable and made her feel special. 

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Jonas Armstrong, you are a good man. Thanks for reaching out, in a mighty personal way, to make someone (who was struggling with big sad thoughts), feel safer and more confident in the kindness of strangers. She, who is me, is endlessly grateful. xo