But our reality was different.

My daughter did not go to school today. She watched other children begin their school year while she remained beside me, trying not to cry. We have recently lost our home, our familiar life and the small sense of security we once had. Although we survived, we are still living with fear, uncertainty and the painful question of what happens next.

As a mother, it breaks my heart. A child should be thinking about lessons, friends, drawings and dreams—not air-raid alerts, shelters and whether there will be a safe place to sleep. She should have had her school clothes, a backpack and new notebooks. Instead, I held her close and tried to explain why this September 1 could not be like the others. 😢

She loves drawing. She had been looking forward to creating pictures for our defenders and participating in the school charity fair. She wanted to see her classmates and feel like an ordinary child again. I promised her that I would find a way forward, even though right now I do not know exactly how.

Today reminded me that war steals much more than buildings. It steals childhood, ordinary traditions and the simple joy of preparing for school. 💔

Still, my daughter and I are alive and together. I will continue searching for a safe place and a better future for her. I want her next September 1 to begin not with tears and fear, but with a smile, a backpack on her shoulders and hope in her heart. 🙏❤️