Subj: Tanya's room is empty...
Date: 10/14/02
Tanya is an 18 yr. old girl that we met in our visits to Ladajyn, an institution in Ukraine for invalid children. Tanya is an example of the changes God has brought to this dismissal place.
In this hospital like facility we helped Ukrainian Children's Project begin a school, but Tanya did not want the workers to mention to her Mom about school, if she should call. She wanted to learn to write, so she could write her Mom a letter first! I remember on one visit we were in the classroom and Tanya said, "We are glad you came to visit, but we are having school now!" Having school changed her whole outlook on life. She learned to cross-stitch and completed many projects sent by Boxes of Love from Wisconsin, she had her own room equipped with a special furniture supplied off a container sent by Cardiostart from London. Though Tanya has always been very sick with internal and skin infections, she felt special. She was Marina's best friend, who is now adopted and living in the US, and a big sister to the other boys in the school at Ladajyn. Tanya's difficult life was changed by the love shown to her through those that visited Ladajyn, and through the gifts sent her way. It was a change that spread to the other children, the workers, and to her Mom who had to give her up because of the difficulties of caring for such a sick child.
Enclosed is a letter I recently received from Ira Sulim who continues to be involved in the lives of the children of Ukraine.
"Tanya's room is empty, because she is not there any more, she is in Heaven...
Tanya died after Marina's visit from the US. Another group had left some money to buy material for the windows to protect the children from flies. So, one day we came to deliver that material and brought some ice cream for kids. I came to the classroom, kids were having their lessons, but Tanya wasn't there. I asked about her and the teacher said that she was sick. I came to her room. Tanya was in bed and didn't eat anything all day and was very weak. The head Dr. allowed me to talk to her and to give some ice cream.
You know, Tanya's mind was so fresh, I was talking to her like to a healthy person. I have never seen her mind so fresh. She told me, "Why did my Mom always said that in Heaven it will be better for me? Now it is time for me to go and I wish I could stay here for longer. I like our lessons and I like to be here..." She had her ice cream and said again, "That is my last ice cream... It is good that my Mom came to see me. It will be easier for her when I am gone..."
It was hard for me. I knew Tanya wouldn't live for long, there were already some spots on her skin, you know people have some spots before they die. Well, I just gave her a hug and left.
I didn't call back to ask about her. And the next time when I came again, kids were saying that Tanya was moved to another place and wanted to write her a letter. Doctors don't say that she died. Her parents came and she was buried in her native city.
It is hard when our friends leave us, but God cares of them and I am sure Tanya is doing all right there, one day we will see her again..."
On behalf of Ira and the many children such as Tanya, I would like to thank you for your part in reaching out into their distant lives with God's love. Through your prayers, visits, gifts and remembering.
Lynnise.