I hesitated for a long time whether to write this letter, but my friends convinced me that it should be done in order to draw the attention of the Canadian government to the Ukrainian diaspora living in Jasper.
My story is unique compared to the stories of other Ukrainians who came to this picturesque country, which has become a new home for many, and a dream for a new peaceful life. Before the start of the war, I graduated from the University and became a master in the field of law. I worked in the court and dreamed of becoming a judge one day, but my dreams did not come true because of the war. With the beginning of the war, I helped the army for a short period of time, and then I myself joined the army at the first opportunity. I served as a deputy of a rifle company, fought in the Sumy and Donetsk regions, met many worthy people, but the war took many of them away. After one of the shelling, he suffered certain health problems. Then a long rehabilitation and treatment in the hospital.
After being discharged from the army, I realized that I was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, tried to somehow fix it, sought help, etc. It's hard to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder when your country is at war and your town is constantly being shelled, during the day you read obituaries about people you knew, and at night they come in your dreams. I never thought that after a physical fight with the enemy, another mental battle with myself would await me. After another visit to a psychologist, I realized that if I don't change the situation, I won't be able to live as a free person and move on.
I was invited to Jasper by my good friend Viktor Moiseev. He showed me around and introduced me to its amazing residents, namely Nancy Addison, who surprised me with her strong desire to help people. The owner of L&W restaurant Joann, who became an example for my wife. In addition, Nathan J. Daniel is a good friend who is always willing to help.
At this point, I would like to thank the Government of Alberta and the Red Cross for providing my wife and I with shelter, food and first aid. I would like to give a special shout out to my employer Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and thank them for all their help and care for all the employees.
Now my wife and I want to return to the place we call our second home and work for the prosperity of this picturesque town.
Sincerely,
Pavlo Zharin
