Ukrainian Boy Is Left to Raise His 4 Siblings Alone after Their Mom Died in His Arms

The saddest thing about tragedy is that it almost always comes uninvited, changing people's lives most unexpectedly. A similar scenario befell a Ukrainian family, turning their world upside down. Amid the wreckage and heartbreak, a youngster stepped up to care for his siblings.

Vyacheslav "Slava" Yalov lived with his mother, Maryna, and four younger siblings in Verhnyotoretske, Donetsk, Ukraine. He was the oldest among his siblings—two brothers and two sisters—Danylo, Nicole, Timur, and Olivia—and loved them with all his heart and soul.

They were a happy family who loved their homeland and drew strength from their closely-knit connection. Slava described his mother as a hard-working, bright, and kind-hearted soul who always taught her children to be helpful, kept the house clean, and loved cooking delicious food.

A Hard-Working Youngster

Ever since he was a little boy, Slava said he became familiar with his role as the big brother. That, in turn, translated into his desire to become independent, help his family, and not be a burden to his mom.

When he reached the house, Slava said his younger siblings, whom he called "his children," came out, and seeing him alone, they understood everything.

Thereafter, Slava began working at the tender age of 12—he took up painting, cleaning, and building jobs to be a helping hand and assist his mother in the best possible manner. "You can do many things; the main thing is to have the desire," stated the wise young man.

Helping His Mom & Making Friends

While Slava loved the prospect of earning money and sharing it with his family, his mother disapproved of her son working hard at such a young age. Still, he enjoyed helping his mom and wanted to set an excellent example for his brothers and sisters.

While working as an animator at entertainment events, Slava said he was able to explore Ukraine and meet many new people from different areas who became his friends. He even liked working with his mom, Maryna, at the youth center.

The Day That Changed Everything

Slava's family home had a beautiful garden and arranging it was his mom's passion project. Life was good for the family of six, and they loved their small sanctuary more than anything until an unimaginable tragedy ambushed their lives, destroying everything they had once called their own.

After Russia's invasion in February 2022, many Ukrainians lost their homes, loved ones, and everything dear to them; Slava's family was no different. One day in March, the young boy went to buy groceries with his mom, but when he returned, he was broken and all alone.

Losing His Mom

Slava said his beloved mom died because of the shelling as they walked home together. It was a heartbreaking scene that continued to play in front of his eyes long after he had witnessed the tragedy. The 18-year-old boy choked while recalling the details:

"She died in my arms. I tried to save her, but …"

While Slava was unscathed and said he miraculously survived, he couldn't save his mom because her wounds were fatal. Before closing her eyes, she told her son, "I'm fine," and took her last breath in his arms. The heartbroken boy said she was only 37.

Returning Home Alone to His Siblings

The teenager said he sat with his mom for a long time because he couldn't believe what had happened. Finally, he mustered up the courage to go home; but he struggled to answer one nagging question:

"What was I supposed to say to the children?"

When he reached the house, his younger siblings, whom he called "his children," came out, and seeing him alone, they understood everything. His younger sister, Nicole, asked him if their mother could have been saved, but he didn't know what to tell her.

And so, Slava and his siblings lost their mom and home, as the war also damaged the latter. They had no one to care for them because Maryna was an orphan, and the children had no relatives.

Leaving Their Home & Seeking Shelter

After much thought, Slava decided to flee Donetsk and take his baby siblings to a safer region. He knew he had to step up for them because he was all they had, and he loved them too much to turn his back on them. And so, 18-year-old Slava took on the role of looking after his four siblings.

With the help of a few good friends, Slava was able to take his brothers and sisters to western Ukraine's Lviv region. Several volunteers raised funds to give them a home and furniture, and they began living in a residential apartment in Drohobych. Regarding his mom, Slava expressed:

"Of course, we miss her. How could we not? We try to just pray for her, that's all. She gives me strength. She gives the children strength."

Becoming Their Guardian & Wanting the Best for Them

To ensure that his siblings would not end up in orphanages, Slava issued guardianship to take their custody. Although the war claimed everything from him, he found courage, hope, and light amid the darkness, chaos, and despair to keep going for his family. He shared:

"I want them to have a childhood. I don't want them to stop being active. I want them to evolve, to have an exciting future. I know I can do this."

Watching His Siblings & Missing His Mom

Thanks to Slava's efforts, the children began attending a local school. Meanwhile, he cooked food, cleaned their small apartment, and helped the kids with homework. "At the same time, I work on one project and study," said Slava, who wished to complete his education and study medicine.

Slava believed his mom was with him every step of the way and helped them all to stay afloat. "My mother was everything to me. We were very close to her. Everything good in me is from my mother," he added.

Helping Others

As if taking on the role and father and mother to his siblings isn't enough, the young Ukrainian boy also created a fund to help displaced people and kids who lost everything due to the war. Slava said he named the foundation after his last name, "Yalov—I love Ukraine."

We are in awe of Slava's warm-heartedness, love, and compassion not just for his siblings but for other people like him. Like many others, we pray for peace and prosperity to prevail in the region. Please show support and love to this young boy by sharing your feedback on Facebook.

Click here to read the story of a selfless girl who stepped up to raise her five younger siblings after their parents died from cancer.