The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. Sunflowers are also one of their biggest crops and exports. The seeds and their oil comprise a huge chunk of the world’s supply. The sunflower represents hope and warmth – the embodiment of the sun after which they are named. When I heard of this story of a Ukrainian woman boldly admonishing a Russian soldier who had invaded her country, my heart broke. She put her own life at risk, bravely speaking her mind about the Russian occupation, and powerfully condemning his presence, insisting he put sunflower seeds in his pockets for when he died on Ukrainian soil. A chilling comment on what is happening now.
I hope she is safe.
