OU blog

Personal Blogs

Jim McCrory

Being Human in a Welsh Village

Visible to anyone in the world

Image by https://unsplash.com/@bacchanalia


Just before COVID-19, my wife and I enjoyed a holiday in Croatia. Throughout the week, we shared evening meals with a mother and daughter from Wales. As our time to leave approached, my wife exchanged phone numbers with them, and she has stayed in touch with them ever since.

Recently, I was reminded of our encounters with them while reading Dylan Thomas’s poem "Under Milk Wood." One line stood out to me:

"Every morning when I wake

Dear Lord, a little prayer I make

Oh, please do keep thy loving eye

On all poor creatures born to die."

This line resonated with me, highlighting the importance of keeping watch over our fellow humans. For Dylan Thomas, it meant mediating and speaking to God about those deserving of his thoughtful prayers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while the mother from Wales was isolated, something beautiful happened. The entire village came together outside her house and sang "Happy Birthday" to her, demonstrating the power of community and human connection during challenging times.


Permalink
Share post