PHOTO ESSAY: Independent Ukraine at age 15 (09/03/06)

PHOTO ESSAY: Independent Ukraine at age 15

by Tania D'Avignon

Ukraina has just celebrated her 15th birthday. She is really just a teenager.

And in many ways Ukraina is also still a child. For years she was under the stifling care of a self-styled older brother. She couldn't make her own decisions, take care of her own needs or even play with her own friends.

In spite of this, we expected Ukraina to grow up much faster than she could. She is inexperienced, still learning to play with her peers, to share with others, to tolerate and forgive. She is learning to stand on her own two feet, trying not to give in to bullies who want to take advantage of her.

These troublesome, formative years are inescapable. They are full of frustration, clumsiness, emotional crises, disappointments, misunderstandings, anger, tantrums, fights and many difficult learning experiences.

However, somehow we managed to grow up and become adults, with more or less normal lives. How many years did it take us?

Definitely more than 15!

So why are we impatient with Ukraina's immature, teenage behavior? Why are we disappointed in her lack of achievements? After all she is still an uncoordinated teen. She will trip and fall over her own feet until she develops her self-confidence and self-esteem. When she finally realizes her own strengths and potential, accepts her responsibilities, starts to nurture and educate her dependents, takes care of her weak, infirm, poor and old, then she will be on her way to maturity, to adulthood.

But, after all, she is only 15. Like most 15-year-olds she is beautiful, flirty, naive, gossipy, and maybe relying on her best friend too much. However, with a strong guiding hand I know she will have a great future.

And Ukraina is not alone as she strives to mature and become part of the world community of nations!

Having spent five months of the last 12 in Ukraine, I have been on an emotional roller-coaster. I have been angry, frustrated and disappointed, and have shared the disbelief of the people in their government. Just as things start looking up, there always seems to be a new political and economic backslide.

People are tired of the politics and frustrated with the politicians. There is a feeling of resignation in the air. But despite the tumultuous political situation, life moves forward ... and Ukraine's people continue to go about their daily lives ... waiting...

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