The Patsan Family
Will Have A House
Thanks To Dell Loy Hansen

Tatiana Alexandrovna and Anatoliy Ivanovich, the protagonist couple in this story, lived in the town of Makarov until 12th of March, when their town was bombed severely and their neighbors’ house was destroyed. The Russians were standing right behind their house, and there was no communication. Makarov was occupied and Tatiana’s daughter wanted to go to Makarov to pick up her parents, but was not allowed to enter. Eventually, a couple of neighbors drove Tatiana and Anatoliy to their destination in Zhytomir. The journey was frightening, as Russians were shooting at cars on the way. On March 13th, their house was destroyed by an air bomb. The mayor posted a photo of the destroyed house and it was then that they found out that their home was no longer there.

Now, they are staying with acquaintances in a half-house, which consists of two rooms. Anatoliy is blind after having a stroke and has had another one after finding out that their house was destroyed. He is now almost unable to walk and constantly worried, dreaming of having their own corner again.

Tatiana’s daughter lives separately and there is no space for her parents to stay with her. Tatiana worked as an accountant and is 67 years old. Anatoliy worked as a truck driver and is 65 years old. Their son died in a car accident in 2004, after returning from the army. Tatiana has diabetes and relies on insulin. They built their house themselves when they got married and lived there for 41 years.