eYs Magazine Winter 2022 Edition 15

EYS YOUTH

WAR IS NEVER THEANSWER

By Kristina Apostoloska

eYs Youth Ambassador

Kristina Apostoloska

eYs Magazine Youth anbassador

March 14, 2001 Tetovo, Republic of Macedonia

I was in kindergarten, almost 5 years old.

I played carefree with the other children like every other day. Carefree, up to a point. When it all started. That whole damn period. When he instilled fear in our bones

It was 3pm, and all the parents had picked up their children from kindergarten, except only mine did not arrive. They were not allowed to pick me up from school because they were employed by the barracks (The Army). Every time the door opened, I hoped in vain that maybe it was my parents who came to pick me up.

I was sitting on the bench in the hallway, my backpack in my arms and in anticipation ...

Suddenly, my neighbour showed up. He said he came to pick me up because mum and dad were at work. I am eternally grateful to him. He took me and hid me under the seat, a compartment where he normally carried ice cream with his old and ruined “Lada”. Days had passed in fear. But also, in hope that everything will end quickly. The days when I had the opportunity to see my parents were rare.

Every night my brother and I fell asleep hugging and comforting each other under the bed listening to the explosions. An experience that will remain unforgettable. Every new day, a new hope. Who will make up for the lost time we never spent with our mother and father while everyone else, the whole world went on vacation, picnics, and walks? My parents were at risk every day, they both ‘lived’ in my father’s office, in the barracks. While some were on holiday in five-star hotels. We suffered a lot of pain and loss: our car was shelled, and the biggest damage was the trauma we all experienced.

Kristina with her brother Daniel in 2001

Who will compensate us? Who will give us back our time?

Thank God that the damage was only materialistic and that my parents were safe and sound. We all know very well how many had lost their lives. How many families remained blackened, how many children did not welcome their father’s home from work.

Kristina with her father Cane

Many other things remained unsaid, there was chaos of emotions. Do not allow our suffering to be repeated. War is never the answer.

Preserve and love your homeland!

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