A Son's Love

Lena recently visited Valentina S. She lives in the remote old part of Kyiv called Wind Hills and the apartment complex is located at the top of a big hill. Climbing that hill under the sun at 92 degrees made Lena feel very special.

In March, Valentina had a severe stroke. According to her son, Oleg, conditions at the hospital were not good at all, so he decided to take his mother home to take care of her. The last time Lena spoke with Oleg, Valentina could not do anything but lie in bed. Well, Lena was very surprised to see Valentina this time! What progress she has made. Now she is able to sit, chew well, and smile. She cannot speak properly yet, but she looks very well taken care of.

Valentina has two sons. Her older one, Oleg, lives with her. The younger one, along with his family, lives a couple of blocks away (down that blessed hill). Oleg works as a salesman at the construction store. When Valentina was taken home after she had had a stroke, both sons made their work schedule flexible enough to take turns taking care of their mother.

I was extremely impressed with how clean and neat the apartment was. When I commented on that, Oleg said that he had made all the renovations himself—painting walls, fixing the floor, putting tile, and installing doors. There was nothing fancy in the apartment yet everything was very light and extremely clean.

Oleg explained how he cooked for his mother, which foods are allowed and which foods are not. 

To make Vera's bathing comfortable, he carries her to the bathroom regularly. Since Lena takes care of her 92-year-old grandfather, Oleg asked her for a couple of useful hints and recipes, and Lena was happy to share. As Lena was telling Valentina about how blessed she was to have such caring sons, she was doing her best trying to smile.

Oleg expressed his gratitude for Music Mission Kiev, and Valentina’s sponsor in particular, for the food vouchers. He said, “it is such great support.” They agreed that Oleg would come to receive those vouchers at our office once a month. Unfortunately, between his working schedule and caring for his mother, he cannot visit our Bible lessons. However, he will take a printed copy of each spiritual lesson home for them to read.

Would you join us in lifting up Valentina and Oleg in prayer?