Mother of the Commonwealth

Mother of the Commonwealth

Watching the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth on television was quite an experience. My God! Them Brits can put on quite a party. Makes you wonder about the recession. And it’s not only the Brits who are celebrating, but things are going on all around the Commonwealth. Kind of reminds one of the old days on the farm when everybody was bustin’ their humps durin’ the week to make ends meet, but come Saturday night, they’d throw the kids in the buggy, perhaps some food if they had and even a fiddle or mouth organ, and gather at someone’s house and let loose.

Well, and that’s the way it should be too. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The odd thing was that one didn’t see hide nor hair of a lot of anti – monarchist protestors flingin’ about anywhere. I guess they know when to keep their mouths shut.

The Queen herself is an example of why we should celebrate her long career as monarch of the Commonwealth. Standing throughout the whole eleven miles of the flotilla in “extreme moisture” in other words – pouring rain, is not an easy task for anyone, let alone an eighty-six year old lady. Throughout it all she was attentive and engaged, accepting the adulation with grace and dignity. Not too shabby.

It was fitting that they played her Coronation speech where she vowed to commit herself to the service of all her people throughout the Commonwealth all those years ago. In retrospect, she has never wavered from that commitment. That in itself is a remarkable achievement. Oh, of course there were times when she would have to rewrite the institution of the Monarchy to fit modern times, which she has done, often because of the deeds of her wayward children. Of course these are different times. It’s not like the era of the first Queen Elizabeth when you adhered to tradition or were introduced to a broad-axe at the nape of your neck. The broad-axe is put away in lieu of diplomacy. And the Queen does it well, without so much as a whimper or mis-step.

I can tell you that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who have a monarch and there are those who wish they had one. The Americans drive themselves nuts trying to figure out how to lay claim to the monarchy. Quite frankly, they haven’t figured out what the monarchy is so they’re a bit afraid of it stomping on their republic.

Well, we’re one of the lucky countries I think. Not only do we have a monarch, but we have one who has dedicated herself to our service and has stoically held fast to that dedication, come hell or high water. She is like a mother to us all, at least that’s what she reminds me of. She goes about her business in a quiet, dignified way without causing a great deal of hub-ub, yet, should she abdicate in favor of Charles or William, you can bet your bottom dollar that she’d have no aversion to kicking some royal ass should the occasion arise.

We always had a rule around our house. We must love our mother. We never found out what might happen if we didn’t, but I think it had some sort of biblical reference so that was enough to terrify us into compliance. In retrospect, I think it was a good rule.

Queen Elizabeth has done what no king could have accomplished. And she’s done it in a calm and prudent manner. We are indeed lucky to have such a mother. Long may she reign. At least, that’s how it seems to me from up here on the top shelf.

Just sayin’.