Today marks 25 years since my country was bombed, in the operation called “Merciful angel” or “Angel of Mercy” - whatever.
In 78 days of air strikes:
- 420k bombs were dropped on us
- 4k died (81 child)
- 25k homes destroyed, plus:
- 14 airports
- 18 kindergartens
- 39 hospitals
- 69 schools
- 176 historical sites
- 500+ kilometers of roads
Etc
I was nine. I remember my nose bled from fear. I don’t know how me being scared caused my nose to bleed, but it happened.
I remembered the duffle bag packed next to the door, with a few cans of food inside of it, some clean clothes, passports, and all gold jewelry we had- cuz we didn’t know if it would get worse.
I still have ptsd triggered every time I head air strikes sirens. Luckily, I don’t hear them much- only when they are testing if those still work, or when are paying tributes to the casualties.
Anyway, for years to follow, my father would use any opportunity to gift us gold jewelry. Why? Because: “If it gets bad again, money won’t worth much. We learned that in 1994. You exchange these ear rings/bracelets/necklaces for food or anything you need.
Nowadays, I don’t have a run away bag prepared. But trust me when I tell you, I could pack one in jut a few minutes.
Nowadays, I don’t buy my kid gold jewelry, I stack sats.
It could be one of the reasons why I’m bitcoining. It gives me a hope. An escape plan, among other things.
As for the first part of my note, let’s stop for a second to think about all kids around the world, their traumas, bleeding noses from fear and sleepless nights. Let’s pray for their beautiful souls and innocent lives.
🇷🇸
