Ever watched that Gwyneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors? It’s about ‘what ifs’ in life. You know, what would have happened if you had missed that train and got another? How a supposedly simple thing can alter the whole course of your world.
Had one last year. Regular hairdresser charged with sorting out the bleached mess on my head was sick so a lovely girl called Julia stepped up to the challenge.
We talked about holidays, COVID-19, the rubbish on telly, shoes, wine, and men. As you do in the comforting dullness of everyday life. Julia was about to go and see her mum and dad as the pandemic had kept them apart. And she was so happy. Again so far, so normal.
With one huge difference. Julia’s name was spelled Yulia and her mum and dad lived in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Her birthplace and a country she was fiercely proud of.
Fast forward a year and I have no idea if this ordinary yet extraordinary young woman is still even alive. We messaged one another last month and I know she moved back to Ukraine permanently. Since then, no response from her mobile.
And this is the real face of what’s going on in the mad mess of the Russia/Ukraine conflict. It’s not the endless lists of military hardware, the horrors of bloodsoaked soldiers, and political games. It’s about real people. People like you and me. Women who had lives just like ours.
Denne historien er fra March 14, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra March 14, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
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RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
