Singing and Speaking in Latvian, but Still Seeing Shells in Dreams. Sofia's War Child Family Finds Refuge in Auce
Sofia's family, affected by the war in Ukraine, seeks refuge in Auce, Latvia, where they are the only Ukrainians in the area and find solace despite their traumatic past.
Sofia's family, consisting of three children and their mother Irina, has found temporary refuge in Auce, Latvia, after fleeing from Ukraine amidst the war. They are the only Ukrainians in the vicinity, and while they communicate in Latvian, the scars of their experiences linger, particularly for the children, who face psychological trauma. Irina recalls the devastating day her family was torn apart as air raids commenced, illustrating the chaos and fear that accompanied their escape.
Four years ago, on that fateful morning, Irina and her husband were separated when he and the children were forced to flee one part of their city while Irina remained in a maternity ward after giving birth to their youngest child. The terror of hearing explosions and the imminent threat of an approaching Russian military column forced them to make desperate decisions. They eventually reunited in a bomb shelter, highlighting the harrowing plight of families affected by the war. The emotional toll is seen in their son, who has become mute, a response to the traumatic experiences they have endured.
Now, living in a cramped basement at her in-lawsβ home, Irina grapples with the trauma they left behind in Ukraine, where she recalls watching their city burn from the garden. Despite their circumstances, the family's strength in adapting to a new language and environment reflects their resilience, yet their dreams continue to haunt them with memories of war. This story emphasizes the profound impact of conflict on families and the challenges of finding peace during times of crises.