A Year Without Andriyko. In Memory of Andriyko Nabatov

September 1, 2025.

    On September 1 it will be a year since the world grew quieter. On the calendar it is only a date. In our lives it is a chasm. Since then every morning begins with a brief silence with that moment when a hand reaches for the phone to write to Andriyko and freezes in the air. We are still learning to live with this pause.
    
    He knew how to speak simply without big words. He loved to laugh so that the sound spread softly through the room like light. He helped without poses without later without witnesses. He stood steady when others were afraid. He drew lessons from everything a step forward from every mistake. His hands knew work his shoulders knew responsibility his heart knew the line that must not be crossed.
    
    When the country called he went. Not for glory not out of curiosity but because it was the right thing to do. He did not like being called a hero. He would say I am just doing what I must. But that is what heroism looks like an ordinary person who rises above fear and fatigue. The quiet before a hard decision. A step forward when you want to step back.
    
    We remember the small things that hurt the most a half finished coffee on the windowsill a note that said be back later a favorite song that now sounds different. We remember how he could crush anxiety with a single sentence. How he lent a shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world. How he knew not to betray himself people the country.
    
    This year has taught us simple truths. Love is what does not fit into words. Tears are a form of love that has nowhere else to go. Memory is not a museum but the living work of the heart. And one more thing evil is not defeated by fine speeches. It is defeated by people like Andriyko straight calm stubborn in their rightness.
    
    We go on not because it has become easier but because that is what he would have wanted. Life is responsibility to those who can no longer come home. We continue his unfinished tasks protect those he protected hold up the places he always held. And when we are afraid we recall his gaze steady warm clear.
    
    Today we light a candle. Not to put a full stop rather to have light when it is dark. We speak his name Andriyko and listen to how it echoes within us. This name has become our vow to be honest not to pass by another pain to do our work the way he did his through to the end.
    
    No it does not get easier. The pain does not lessen it changes. It becomes deeper but purer. And through it gratitude shows for every day we had with him for every smile for every I am here said just in time. We give thanks for his life short but bright. For his choice hard but right. For his example restrained and convincing.
    
    Andriyko we will carry on. We will take care of one another. Work help stand firm. We will be the kind of people who make the air warmer as it was warm beside you. You live in our decisions in our speech in how we treat the weaker and the stronger ourselves and the country. You are in our daily small stubborn yes yes we will endure yes we will reach the goal yes we will see it through.
    
    A year has passed. We still cry. And we have the right. Tears are also a language of love. And through the tears we see his path straight clear and our continuation upon it. Because memory is not only pain. It is also a direction. And we will hold to that direction as long as our hearts beat.
    
    Eternal memory. And thank you.