On the first day of the full scale invasion, Maria, a specialized school teacher and poet, did not stand aside. She helped evacuate children while her husband and son, along with fellow villagers, prepared to defend their native village. Already in March, Maria began to resume the work of the rural house of culture – and where until recently there was anxiety, a "Meaningful Leisure Club" appeared. A place where they overcome loneliness together, live pain together, and learn to smile again. With the war, Maria's poetry also took on a new meaning. The collection "Stolen Spring" became not only a chronicle of losses and hopes – it became a weapon. With the funds raised from its presentation, the poetess purchased two drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.