If you go here, you will see the last picture taken of the late Queen Elizabeth 11. It is the picture many of us saw when we first read the news that she wasn't well, and that family was heading to Balmoral. I would have put it up but it does have a name on it, and I did not want to infringe.
When I first saw it, I thought it was my favorite of all pictures I have seen of her during her long life. She looks like any woman at home. That sweater! Just like any of us might wear, especially those my age or older. It made me smile, even as the news made me fearful.
I know a staunch Irishman, and yet he cared for the Queen. As did so many people, no matter their politics.
I am terribly sad. It feels like someone in my family has died - a relative I didn't ever see but still loved.
And I'll tell you a weird story. It begins a long time ago. Just before my uncle (by marriage, on my father's side) died, my mother heard three knocks on the window and saw his face there. Then the phone rang with the news. Well, today Tom was at a friend's house. After I had read that the Queen was so ill, I was in the kitchen when I heard three knocks on the front door. Lucy, our yellow Labrador went to the door, as did I. No one was there (and no face). Soon I saw Tom walking from the parking lot to the house. I asked him if he had come to the door and knocked thinking it might be locked. He said no.
The phone didn't ring just after but when I heard those knocks I did fear that she had, or would, die. As far as I know that happened to my mother only once, and this is the first and hopefully only time for me.
I was sitting here at my computer late this morning, I looked out and all of a sudden a white feather floated down onto the lawn. There was no bird, no nothing, just this white feather floating serenely through the air. I just knew something momentous was going to happen. I feel stunned to be honest. I was born about a month before the coronation and given Elizabeth as my middle name after her. I know it had to happen eventually but such a shock after she was able to meet our new PM on Monday. That picture is from that meeting. RIP.
ReplyDeleteOh, Cath. I have shivers from the feather.
DeleteAnd that you were named after her makes me so happy.
It is a shock. Maybe she had been sick, but I had heard nothing. It is certainly the way to go.
And didn't you just love her in that sweater. And she looked so very pleased to be meeting PM Truss.
I am also very sad. My mother and I were just on the phone discussing her family rushing to Balmoral to be with her at the end - Charles, at least, got there in time, even if the others did not. I also am disappointed I have no recollection of her visit to Boston and got to London in June as the Jubilee was ending, so missed it all.
ReplyDeleteShe looked fragile but not ill when she greeted the new Prime Minister so this happened awfully fast. I was doing a presentation on Zoom this afternoon at work when suddenly my phone started beeping as everyone who knows my Anglophile ways started texting me. They were teasing me and did not understand that while I recognize the flaws of the monarchy I still find it very interesting.
And we got married there in 1977, and never saw one Silver Jubilee event or, as I recall, even a mention. Young and dumb, I'm thinkin', though I was 29.
DeleteSorry your friends were teasing. You are in good company with your internet friends (and Cath, whom you saw, lucky both of you!).
Oh, your story gave me goosebumps, Nan! I feel the same as you about the Queen's death. It's almost like a family member has died. I kind of thought she'd live forever. My heart goes out to her family. :(
ReplyDeleteI remember something psychic in your life years ago. I thought it was about the robin, but I searched my email, and it wasn't like that - it was Rod helping "Mrs. Bob" with her nest. What am I remembering?
DeleteIt's a funny time. When we saw the picture with the new prime minister we knew there was probably not long to go, as she looked so frail. But with 90% of the UK population being under 75, I'm not the only person who has had her in my life forever (I looked up the percentage). So it was a shock even though it wasn't a shock, and we both cried when we heard. It just changes the fabric of the country so profoundly.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I was born in 1948. Very well put that it was a shock though not a shock. I got an email from The Oldie today and they also used the word "shocking". I think she was just always so present, and mostly looked the same that she just presented us with her best side all the time. Taking care of her subjects, I suppose. Keeping herself to herself. I've often pondered that she might not die until Charles was too old, so it would go right to William.
DeleteAnd your last sentence is perfect.
That is a strange story.
ReplyDeleteI sure thought so!
DeleteI was sad to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth too. And I had seen that picture and thought it was great - she looks like a wonderful grandmother. :-)
ReplyDeleteShe just looked - gosh, I think "joyous" is the word.
DeleteI haven't known any other queen of England in my lifetime -- and I read that is true for 9 out of 10 people alive today, all of us born during her reign. It's a momentous shift. Your knocks, Nan, and the white feather show how significant it is. Did you see the rainbows that appeared as the flag was lowered to half staff? That gave me chills and tears.
ReplyDeleteThat is the same stat as Lizzy Bee posted above so it must be true.
DeleteI did not see that about the rainbows. What is that line in Hamlet - something about there's more in heaven and earth than we know. I could look it up, but that's the gist, I think.
I am also feeling very sad (also a bit cheated that I was there for a month and missed the Jubilee by one day and missed all this by two months). My Betsy-Tacy group came for tea last Sunday and we wore hats and brooches in Her Majesty's honor and toasted her in Prosecco or lemonade. I will certainly be up at dawn tomorrow to watch the funeral (fortunately, the refrigerator repair person could only come tomorrow so I can work from home with a clear conscience).
ReplyDeleteWhat a dear thing to do, and what a great group to be part of! I didn't get up at dawn, but watched in the afternoon on Britbox. It felt like being there.
DeleteWhat a thing to have happened to you, Nan. It's been a week of her death affecting so many as we remember her life. So very sad and yet an odd sense of Providence shining on her passing, including the blessing of good weather on people gathering and the moving ceremonies proceeding. I've kept BBC News on in the mornings and the music and scripture and people paying honor there in the UK to their beloved queen with such decorum has affected me more than I'd ever thought would be possible.
ReplyDeleteI love everything you wrote. Beautifully put, Dewena.
DeleteHer best side all the time...yes, that is exactly so, I wonder if that is why so many of her generation lived to such a great age. My Dad was much the same way. I will miss the Queen. Such a steadying influence, such a noble character.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a strain to always have to be "good" - always showing the best side. It must just be different when one is born into that life. You know from the minute you are old enough that your life is not like "regular" people.
Delete