Greetings from Kyiv - Four

 Greetings from Kyiv,

Yesterday was a scary day for me here in Ukraine, as I found myself confronted with the consequence of an innocent mistake. My dear friend, T, suggested that we start our day with a workout, and I enthusiastically agreed. The quest for consistency in my physical training has been elusive for me in recent months. In June and July, I had regrettably put my fitness routine on the back burner, only to realize by the time August rolled around that it was an absolute necessity. I had let myself gain extra weight, which felt like a departure from my true self. The scales tipped at 175 pounds in late July, but by September 12, I had lost too much, going down below 155 pounds. However, the number on the scale didn't tell the whole story – I was missing the muscle mass that once made me look like my usual self. It became clear that adopting a healthier lifestyle was essential. 

На щастя - Fortunately

T had a favorite workout spot, and we ventured into the crisp morning air to begin our workout. Starting with a series of sprints up a scenic hill, I set down my water bottle and phone to join T whose running is much better than mine. Little did I realize the gravity of my mistake until I reached for a sip of water and noticed my water bottle had vanished. My phone, a lifeline containing my contacts and irreplaceable photos, had been stolen.

Quick thinking and a lot of luck helped me get my phone back.

My phone holds immense importance for me, serving as an indispensable tool for travel, communication, and more. Panicked, I swiftly decided to track it down if possible. T and I rushed back to our apartment, and I grabbed my laptop. Activating Lost mode, I could see the phone's last known location. It had moved from our workout spot, and we made a quick plan to attempt recovery. I emphasized to T the importance of maintaining a friendly and non-confrontational approach if we encountered the person responsible. My aim was not only to retrieve my phone but also to avoid any potentially dangerous confrontations.

Putting the phone in lost mode worked! T's phone number (omitted) at the bottom worked!

Several twists and turns later, we arrived at the latest location where my phone had been detected. I began playing the phone's ringtone in hopes of hearing it nearby but heard nothing. As frustration mounted, T's phone rang – a kind person on the other end said he had found my phone. He graciously handed it over to me, and I expressed a massive amount of thanks. I wanted to convey my actual appreciation while also ensuring he didn't feel threatened or pressured. I offered him some cash as a token of my thanks. To my surprise, he declined the offer.

Moments later, as I reflected on this whirlwind experience, I couldn't help but marvel at my stroke of luck. A friend humorously remarked that I had encountered the worst thief in Ukraine, someone who realized they had made the mistake of not disabling the phone. He couldn't evade discovery for long and chose to claim that he had found the phone out of kindness. In hindsight, this episode taught me a valuable lesson about the significant consequences that can stem from even the tiniest innocent oversight.

Living in Ukraine, I am acutely aware of the dangers that can arise unexpectedly, especially closer to the enemy. Our adversary has no qualms about targeting civilians and their loved ones, often exploiting innocent lapses in judgment or honest mistakes to end lives. It is a sobering reminder to remain vigilant even in environments where the dangers are less.

My morning began with a workout, then a heart-pounding anxiety, and ended with a stroke of luck that reminded me of the importance of always paying close attention to detail. It is a good habit to develop, but it is crucial in a country with higher stakes than ever. Don’t just hope for good luck; make your own good luck!

Stay vigilant, stay safe,

Ron