I Just Want To Dance - A Christmas Story

Jenya and Egor enjoying the party (photo by Heather Rousseau)

“It was an absolutely amazing event and so many people in the community came together, and there was so much happiness and so many tears and so much surprise, strangers dancing without a care in front of each other….” 

                                     Text message from Heather Rousseau 

“I just want to dance”. That was Jenya’s texted response when asked for ideas for the Christmas party that 3rd Street was planning, to welcome her and her son Egor to Roanoke. Earlier, we’d asked “if they could use any Christmas love and support to replace whatever they had left behind in Ukraine.” She suggested a couple of really inexpensive toys for Egor and added, “she didn’t need any presents for herself, but she just wanted to meet some new friends.” They had come a few months earlier as refugees from the war in Ukraine. A new country. A new language. A new culture. And, if that wasn’t enough, her homeland and all that she loved, had been invaded and occupied by the brutal Russian army. It had to have been overwhelming. 

In December of 2022, the Roanoke music, business and Ukrainian  communities, came together to hold a Christmas party at 3rd Street Coffeehouse. The vision was clear - throw a party, invite a bunch of young thirty-something’s with young kids and hopefully, Jenya could meet a few new friends. Add in a few kids and some games, and maybe Egor makes new friends too. 

Jenya and Egor represented all of the Ukrainian people who had been brutally attacked by Putin and his Army. The Christmas party was one way, maybe the only way, that we could personally show our support for the Ukrainian people. We all felt like this was way more than just a Christmas party and it was. There were adults, kids and maybe even a few pets for all that I know. It was a multicultural, multi-ethnic, mixed bag of pizza, games, dancing (with a DJ), Santa and Mrs. Clause and lots of presents. And, there was more than enough love and laughter to fill the hearts of all who were there that afternoon. 

Egor and friends (photo by Heather Rousseau)

It was perhaps the best Christmas party that ever was, at least the best I’ve ever been to. Complete strangers came together to welcome Jenya and Egor to Roanoke and lift their spirits. Businesses donated food and all sorts of gifts. Volunteers jumped in at every step (major thanks to Heather, Aspen, Alice, Mike, Forrest, Dan & Addona and probably 20 others). It came together as though a higher power was guiding all of us - kind of a Christmas miracle. It was also the first time that I ever met Jenya and Egor along with Anna, Travis and Emmett, the small family that Jenya and Egor were living with. Anna and Jenya went to college together and Anna introduced Jenya to her cousin Maksim, whom Jenya went on to fall in love with and marry (nice work Anna). 

In true miracle fashion, life-long friends and relationships were formed that day. Egor and I connected with high fives and winks, which led to hockey games, baseball games, ice cream trips and fishing. He’s the bonus grandson I never knew that I had. Jenya became the bonus daughter I didn’t know I had, and I became a bonus Dad for her. They’ve both been a real blessing to my life, even now, after they returned to Ukraine last August. 

That day, I also made a lot of new Ukrainian friends, whom I have since become close to. Each of them have an amazing story and a deep love for their homeland. They've enriched my life in countless ways. Many of them were just learning English that day, but it didn’t matter. Love is a language that everyone knows, as is the spirit of Christmas. Meeting them and getting to know them has taught me a lot about their culture and values, but maybe more about myself. We’ve shared laughter and tears on many occasions as they endure the hardships of war and adjusting to life in America. They’ve welcomed me into their community, and that is both humbling and a huge blessing. Last Christmas we had the best Christmas party ever, without a doubt. I’ll remember it as long as I live. I think a lot of others will too. Maybe Jenya said it best: 

A miracle happened to us yesterday! We plunged into the atmosphere of love and kindness, which was presented to us by the inhabitants of the #Roanoke city. People whom we did not know and never saw surrounded us with care and support. They showed how they support our country and our people. We are delighted with this evening, there were treats, gifts, surprises, games for children, children's laughter, there were tears and a moment of silence for Ukraine, there were new acquaintances and feelings of care and support. Thanks to all the people who passed and gave us gifts, for postcards and kind words. Thanks to our new friends. This day will remain in my memory forever. Happy Merry Christmas and New Year for everyone. With love, our family. 

                Jenya Shulym, partial Facebook post, Dec. 18th, 2022

If you've enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with your friends and hitting the blue "Follow" button.  This Christmas season, please keep Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers.  The war still rages on.  Please consider leaving a comment below, especially Christmas greetings for Jenya and Egor.