MARCH 31 • 2022 | 15 the room, I invite a photog- rapher to sleep on the floor. These are not normal times. The following day I hear about a refugee center set up in what had been a shopping center about 80 minutes away. On my arrival, I find a parking lot filled with buses, cars, peo- ple, outdoor cooking tents, first aid stations and news crews from around the world. Inside are thousands of people, some walking around and some planting themselves on army cots. A group of people in suits surrounded by plain-clothed and uniformed security walk past. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is touring. For a pop- up, overcrowded refugee center, things are fairly organized. I take a photo of the QR code shining on a computer at the front information desk, register my name, car, how many I can transfer and to where, and if I can provide housing. The vol- unteers write that information in Ukrainian on a large piece of paper which I hold above my head in a line with others offering cars to Berlin, Krakow, Dusseldorf, France and beyond. Within minutes, a volunteer approaches and, before long, we’ve loaded Jania, mother of 8-year-old Zarima and 2-year- old Sasha, along with her mother, into the car, stuffing it with a random collection of bags they’ d fled with along with some diapers and snacks pro- vided by the refugee center for the four-hour trip to Warsaw. Anatevka, Anatevka. Intimate, obstinate Anatevka, Where I know everyone I meet. They speak little English, and I speak absolutely no Ukrainian, but we bond over Lady Gaga playing through the speakers. We try talking some, learning bits of each other’s languages, but we all know they need sleep. I look in the rear- view mirror and see the eyes of my ancestors running from similar horrors. Arriving at their friend’s house in Warsaw at about 10:30 p.m., they’re welcomed with hugs and a hot meal. After a quick coffee and bite of chick- en, I head back to my hotel in Hrebenne. Arriving at 2:45 a.m., I sit on the edge of the bed, allow a few tears to escape, and try to sleep. THEY JUST KEEP COMING The days continue like this. continued on page 16 DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S. Certifi ed by The American Board of Surgery, The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery W est Maple Plastic Surgery (248) 865-6400 5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfi eld Awaken the Beauty Within... 5829 Maple Rd. Ste. 129 West Bloomf eld, MI 48322 248.757.2503 www.maplepharmacyrx.com FREE DELIVERY MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! OUR MISSION IS TO BRING SERVICE BACK TO PHARMACY FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU!! 10% SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Not Valid on Prescriptions Maple Pharmacy offers: • Low Price Medications • 90 Day Supplies • Durable Medical Equipment • Diabetic Supplies • Natural Supplements, Vitamins and Nutraceuticals • Compounding bio-identical hormones, pain creams & other medications • Blister Packaging Available MAPLE MAPLE PHARMACY PHARMACY IMMUNIZATIONS AND SHINGLES SHOTS AVAILABLE www.maplepharmacyrx.com Now offering the COVID Vaccine!