Today marks the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. It’s a strange co-incidence but it’s also the day that my Ukrainian guest, a refugee from the war, moves out of my flat and into more permanent accommodation in Dundee.
I’m sure everyone remembers those images of columns of implacable Russian forces, tanks, armoured vehicles. The crushing might of an empire bearing down with cohorts, not exactly purple and gold, but certainly like a wolf on the fold.
Of course it didn’t exactly go according to plan. Ukraine is still standing and may even be turning the tide. Russia’s military reputation is in tatters and some of its finest ships now lie safely at the bottom of the sea.
For my part, I reflect on how my guest, one of those “migrants” we are instructed to fear, has looked after my flat and left it impeccable. Has worked hard – not taken “handouts” but found work, often appallingly badly paid, and work that most Scottish people would turn down. Has contributed to our society in other ways, volunteering, generally being a good person, law abiding, caring, thoughtful….
I have my own personal anniversary coming up in a few days. On first of March it will be seven years since I first started working as a funeral celebrant. In that time I have listened to the life stories of many people. Met many families. And most of those people were basically decent good people. Flawed obviously. A few rogues of course.
A quick scan of the headlines reminds us that the people who run our world are mostly flawed rogues – all pretty shitty individuals, the Putins, the Trumps, the “princes“, the “priests”. But most of the ordinary people they rule .. basically good and decent.
Maybe not a very startling reflection after seven years of celebrancy. But it’ll do for me.