Shortly after I heard of the death of Queen Elizabeth today I tuned in to NPR where several commentators were offering a retrospective on her 70-year reign as England's monarch. As I listened I found myself reflecting on how extraordinary this woman was.
Now, in truth - and I suppose this comes from being an American - I never understood exactly what it was that the Queen of England did, surmising only that she had some important administrative duties and responsibilities. Which brings me to what I find so amazing about Elizabeth II of England: that at 96 years old, in fact until the day before she died, she was still carrying out those duties and responsibilities.
Here she is the day before yesterday confirming Liz Truss as the new British Prime Minister after accepting the resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, thus effectuating the official change of leadership within Her Majesty's Government.
Now, in truth - and I suppose this comes from being an American - I never understood exactly what it was that the Queen of England did, surmising only that she had some important administrative duties and responsibilities. Which brings me to what I find so amazing about Elizabeth II of England: that at 96 years old, in fact until the day before she died, she was still carrying out those duties and responsibilities.
Here she is the day before yesterday confirming Liz Truss as the new British Prime Minister after accepting the resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, thus effectuating the official change of leadership within Her Majesty's Government.
How amazing is it, not only to live to the age of 96, but to still be of such sound brain and body, to be possessed of mind and sufficient mobility to still be living a meaningful life, a dignified life, an interesting life, a productive life? A life of waking up in the morning, having one's hair and make-up done, dressing in business-casual with tasteful jewelry, then overseeing the formation of the new government of a major world power? And then two days later dying peacefully in one's sleep.
Of all the chapters of the long book of Elizabeth's life, it's the end pages that I find most remarkable. And though I know that a progression of days such as Queen Elizabeth enjoyed is likely not in the cards for most of us, she is the hope-giving proof that it is within the realm of possibility.
Of all the chapters of the long book of Elizabeth's life, it's the end pages that I find most remarkable. And though I know that a progression of days such as Queen Elizabeth enjoyed is likely not in the cards for most of us, she is the hope-giving proof that it is within the realm of possibility.
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