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The heroine of this episode is Vika Smereka, a soldier's wife and copywriter. Her husband joined the defense of Ukraine back in 2014, defended the Kyiv region at the beginning of the invasion, and is now serving in the east of the country. Vika had to receive news of the death of her beloved and experience the feeling of wanting to disappear, cease to exist, and run away from the pain. But at the same time, not lose hope and eventually learn that he is alive and that it was a mistake. She tells how she was able to survive this difficult period, what support and words from loved ones were missing, and what it is like for her now to be a military man's wife. Podcast host Nastya Zukhvala, the wife of a soldier and comedian, also shares her experience, how she coped in moments of uncertainty and anxiety. They talked about how those around her can correctly support their beloved soldiers, how to take care of themselves in moments when they are feeling down, and why it becomes easier when you can be among your own people. Nastya Zukhvala / wtfnastia Vika Smereka / oi.smereka The podcast "Beloved" is the stories of those who stand shoulder to shoulder with a million defenders and wait for their partners from the front. Here we talk about what is important and let our own speak out and be heard. Veteran Hub is a support network for soldiers and their loved ones. Call the Support Line: 067 348 28 68 Follow our social networks: / veteran_hub / veteranhubua ______________________________________________ 00:00 Intro 02:40 About meeting a designer, and life with a serviceman 03:40 About moving to Ukraine with a loved one and his first combat experience 08:32 About meeting at a new home and "cringe" as a method of flirting 12:11 About preparing for a full-scale invasion: "You're abroad, I'm in Mariupol" 16:40 Sniper rifle shooting and a restaurant 20:18 About working in headquarters and separation from a loved one 20:59 About losing contact and mantras to stay alive 27:57 About the fear of unfamiliar numbers 30:26 News of death, his missed call 35:13 Hope, calls and annoying messages from people 38:55 A message that he is alive 41:19 About waiting for him to leave the environment and paper clips with postcards as a salvation from anxiety 45:10 How to communicate correctly with the loved ones of soldiers and why support is important for them 1:03:20 About marriage and supporting each other now