Hello,

My name is Beth and I immigrated to Ynysybwl from Baltimore (USA) in 2016. My husband Rob was born and raised here. The village started to feel like home to me in 2018, the year following my daughter's birth. The reason being was that I spent a lot of time exploring the beautiful natural surroundings and I started attending social groups. After years in big cities the hills, animals, picturesque trails, fresh air did me a world of good! To make my own personal friendships alongside a new parenting journey was fantastic as well. 

Fast forward to March 2020 and I was five months pregnant and looking after my busy two year old full time. We attended four baby groups a week (especially loved Tabernacle's groups run by Mary Chinnock and the local Meithrin), as well as Mini Strollers every Thursday organised by the Ynysybwl Vision group. We always had somewhere to go with friendly faces. It was a hard adjustment when the lockdown stopped it all. Of course we understood and respected the guidelines but my daughter was very sad at times and longed for her best buddies. 

What got us through the months of solitude in good spirits was long walks on the Taff trail, beautiful weather, our own garden and speaking to friends online.

I'm so glad I had the confidence to explore outdoors each day and the relationships with others in similar positions to lean on for moral support.

Pregnancy is an emotional rollercoaster in normal times let alone a pandemic, but I still felt hopeful throughout. My healthcare was wonderful and my immediate family unit was very tight after the months finding a new balance. My son was born just as restrictions were lifting in July and the outpouring of support from the community was touching to say the least!

I hope that my daughter can begin her education at Trerobart in January and that we can have baby meetups again in the near future. These outlets meant a lot to me as a first time parent and I'm longing for them with my second, even if they are different due to social distancing/hygiene measures. 

My heart goes out to all those on the frontlines of the pandemic and to those who lost loved ones to this dreadful virus. I'd like to sincerely thank all of the workers that kept my family safe, healthy and fed over the last six months too.