Regarding “Suffering of refugees on rise,” March 18, Page 17:

The article included a picture of a woman weeping after fleeing from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We hear and read about events 10 time zones and thousands of miles from us. We pray and donate to relief efforts, but this picture puts a human face on the realities we can barely imagine.

More than four million refugees are uprooted from normal 21st century daily life, escaping only with what they can quickly grab and physically carry. Imagine fleeing to what you can only hope is some safety for yourself and your young children. There is absolutely no assurance you will ever see husbands, family or home again.

Thank you for sharing how our donations are being put to use, but mostly thank you for helping me visualize the reality of this war. Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Dan Okapal

Southwest Portland