Local Psychologist Helps Sanborn Elementary Students Understand Ukrainian Refugee Suffering

ALPENA, MI. – An assembly at Sanborn elementary students reminded them that hope comes from resistance.

Imagine packing your entire life into one backpack. For Ukrainian mothers and children, this is reality.

A local psychologist traveled to Romania and Hungary to comfort Ukrainian refugees. “I asked the women what they would write on these ribbons. I told them that we would attach their expressions of grief  to a kite’s tale. Kites cannot fly without resistance– fear, anxiety. This is resistance.” said Kelly Bushey, psychologist.

Her work didn’t end after her travels. She returned home with the goal of releasing the despair of the Ukrainian refugees, and finding a way to spread hope to the children in her community. “Why not get some of the children at Sanborn Elementary School and tie them to the end of the kite and lift it up for these women.” said Bushey.

Sanborn Elementary students wrote messages of hope on their own ribbons, demonstrating that even the toughest of resistance can allow you to fly. “Ultimately, I feel like I am equally able to help the children in Ukraine,  and in my own community. That excites me.”