Lessons from the Queen

The Queen was always there, all my life of 60-plus years. For a girl growing up in Southern California, the Queen represented the fairy tale ending to Cinderella. For a young woman marrying and raising children, the Queen came to represent stoic loyalty to duty, sacrifice, and tradition. She was a role model for millions and, more recently, perhaps, billions.

When I learned of her death, I felt I had lost a mother figure, wondering how would we all get on without her? What will happen without her to guide us, to set the example, and reassure us that we will endure whatever comes our way?

"Long live the King," tells me to look to the new, to let him take the reins and trust that, in all his years, he has learned a thing or two and will lead well. His mother was not my Queen, being an American, nor is Charles my King, but I have come to appreciate the monarchy and its solid adherence to their beautiful traditions, setting the example of honor, duty, and sacrifice.

Seeing the family in procession following the Queen's casket, I admired them for their discipline and respect. Witnessing the long, long lines of people waiting to pay their respects to the Queen, I admired their heartfelt need to go there. For so many to have converged on that place upon our fragile blue planet to pay their respects to one person is a testament to her positive impact upon the entire world.

I tried not to compare America to the British Commonwealth of Nations, the monarchy, but for over a week, I imagined, "What could bring our country together, honorably, out of selflessness, in duty and sacrifice?" Maybe that is something we can all ask ourselves, "How can I serve?" We needn't wait for death, or war, or disaster to be of service. The need for peace in the world is awaiting us all to serve each and every day.