COLUMBUS — Olesya’s Kitchen owner Olesya Whitfield's heart is heavy today because of what’s going on in her home country of Ukraine.
“Back home is scary. Back home, you know, I have a family. My daughter is with her family. I have only one granddaughter who is 9, super scared. Don’t let mom go any second without her; she just holds her in her hands,” Whitfield said.
Meanwhile, as her son is in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, Whitfield says that he and the rest of her family are in a safe place.
Whitfield started cooking at just 5 years old and moved to Indiana more than 20 years ago for a better life. She opened her restaurant back in 2018.
There, she specializes in Ukrainian food and makes items including soups and dumplings. She says every dish she serves is made with love.
Right now, her family is the first thing on her mind. She tells them to text her every day to make sure they are safe.
“I’m crying 24 hours a day. It’s so hard to keep it inside,” Whitfield added.
The strength that she is showing is the same strength that she is using to help guide her family through this uncertain time. She is a mother and she says that she is not only hurting for Ukrainians, but for Russians too.
“To my family back home, just stay strong, stay safe. It’s so hard to be a long way from you guys and I love you and I hope this is done really really soon,” Whitfield said.
-
'Kids over guns': Indy students walk out to protest gun violence
Indy students joined the National School Walkout Friday at the Statehouse, protesting gun violence with hundreds nationwide and demanding legislative action.
Families with ALS face greater need as association loses state funding
4,000 Hoosiers have ALS, a fatal disease-causing loss of mobility and speech. Walk to Defeat ALS is Sept. 20 at the State Fairgrounds to raise funds after lawmakers cut $1M annual funding.
IMPD releases video showing officer shoot armed double murder suspect
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has released critical incident bodycam video showing an officer shooting an armed suspect following a deadly shooting that left two men dead.
Indiana National Guard mobilizing 50 troops to support ICE operations
The Indiana National Guard will mobilize approximately 50 Hoosier Guardsmen to provide administrative, transportation and logistics support to ICE across the state, according to a spokesperson.
