Chernobyl

I was reading today that it is the 20th anniversary of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in the Ukraine. As horrible an event as it was, one vivid memory comes to mind:

In Grade 5 (1994/95), I think, our town brought in a bunch of young kids from the Chernobyl are to help improve their immune systems. Since my town had a strong Russian influence, it made perfect sense. I remember being taken for lunch (Dixie Lee Chicken, in fact) with two Ukrainian girls and my Russian teacher. Don’t recall saying anything had all…just devoured the food that was in front of me.

My guess is that those girls would be about 20 or 21 right now, and I can’t help but wonder what they’re up to now. Interesting how I’m really only realizing the significance of this meeting on a landmark day for the Chernobyl accident.