I recently listened to an interview with Sir Tom Jones on BBC Radio Two, which brought back many fond memories of my homeland of Wales.
The programme mentioned the Welsh word, “hiraeth”, which means nostalgia, longing, and in that moment, I had a great yearning for the sweep of Swansea Bay, the winding lanes of The Mumbles, and the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula where I grew up, not to mention a desire to see my family.
In a world where so much changes so quickly, I’m grateful for my foundations that keep me anchored, and those special childhood memories where it seemed like summertime every day. I’m proud of my Welsh heritage, I’m proud of being a Gower Girl, a Swansea Jack, just as much as I am proud of the Cornish nation that has adopted me.
In these times where it is impossible to go “home”, the warm hearts, and song-like voices of Mevagissey have brought me comfort, peace and a renewed sense of belonging here in Cornwall until such a time I’m able to step down from the train at Swansea station, to meet my mama and papa.
