Devoted to Service

           As an ardent reader of history, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is a fascinating subject.  Born two years after my own mother Patricia Nelson, Queen Elizabeth has reigned longer than any other British sovereign.     

          Her official title is Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.  In my lifetime, no one has defined "leadership" in quite the same manner.  

          I first became interested in learning more about Elizabeth and the history behind her ascension to the throne after reading a brief mention of her in The Diary of Anne Frank.  Young Anneliese Frank, a German-Dutch child of Jewish descent,  faithfully maintained a diary describing hiding along with her family to escape persecution for their faith, while Germans occupied the Netherlands during World War ll.  Being nearly the same age, the young diarist was a fan of then Princess Elizabeth Windsor and her sister Margaret Rose.  Writing in April of 1944 Anne mentioned Miss Windsor in her diary, on the eve if Elizabeth's 15th birthday. Anne mused about how the British princess would celebrate her special day and if, somehow, there would there be a handsome prince in Elizabeth's future.      

Anne Frank's school picture, 1941

        Tragically, Anneliese perished in a German concentration camp along with her sister and mother.  But Anne's diary survived and was published posthumously by her father.  The mere mention of Elizabeth Windsor by Anne Frank piqued my interest to delve into facts about the woman.  Since that time I've been a student of her history, fascinated as to how Elizabeth has served as monarch, for nearly seven decades.  My husband claims I'm obsessed with "The Queen," as he refers to her.  However, he graciously adds to my personal library by purchasing literature that feeds an insatiable quest for discovering more information about this leader.

          Reading The Diary of Anne Frank, my mind wandered back to that period during The Second World War.  My own father was an Air Force navigator during the era and eight months from the day Elizabeth ll turned 15 years of age, he and other U.S. servicemen in a B-17 bomber were shot down over Germany during an attempt to destroy one of their important oil refineries.  His parachute landed in a tree and dad was suddenly a German P.O.W. alongside the crew.  Most of his comrades survived their seven month imprisonment and were freed when the British allies liberated American prisoners in May of 1945.  Inextricably linked in history, human beings can often play a pivotal part in shaping our world view and preserve the importance of service...beyond self.  

          Certainly Elizabeth Alexandra Mary's mannerisms were shaped by circumstances beyond her control.  Ascension to the British throne would ultimately be her destiny.  This came about when her father, George VI, became King after his older brother abruptly chose to abdicate and relinquish his responsibility as British Monarch.  Before that decision in 1936, known as "The Year of Two Kings," it was highly unlikely Elizabeth Windsor would ever sit on the British throne.  History tells us a different story.  

          Echoes of service, respect, honor, and recognizing that relationships are essential for cultivating progress and the well-being of others have all emerged during Elizabeth's reign.  She's been quoted as saying, "Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within.  Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often drowns out the most and the best from the human spirit."   

          Forthright, dedicated to her responsibilities, dutiful beyond what many would imagine, Elizabeth ll exemplifies remarkable qualities.  A skilled practitioner, she's dedicated her life to the church, her country, and upholds a heritage of British monarchy in a manner that has made her a compelling figure.  To date, this woman is the longest current-reigning monarch on earth.    

           Was this royal woman privileged beyond what we can comprehend?  There is no doubt of that!  However, I recognize the sturdy, thoughtful determination that characterizes The Queen is shared by many of the men and women of her generation.  My parents grew up around the same time as Elizabeth; indeed these individuals who were born in the 1920's negotiated countless challenges, setbacks, and hardships as they matured from youth to adulthood.  With hopes and dreams, history shows they persevered in the face of whatever obstacles lay in their midst.  I admire such sturdy resolve; it often enables human beings to get on with their lives and make valuable contributions to society's well being.    That strong characteristic of personal resilience is as important for us today, as it ever was.     

          One of the Queen's biographers described her remarkable 
ability to connect with those she admires and values.  He witnessed many instances of Elizabeth's unmistakable sincerity when meeting or honoring individuals in Great Britain as well as in countries across The Commonwealth.  For me, that show of respect is an attribute which should forever, be emulated.     

"She walks at the pace of the slowest moving individual.
  In so doing, Elizabeth ensures that they will never be
 abandoned or feel they've been left behind."     

  What grandeur is this? 

Is it possible that we can all aspire to enrich the moments in
 the day and just perhaps, the lives of those in our midst? 
As well, parents or grandparents along with those of
 their unique generation have always discovered ways
 to live fulfilling lives despite many stumbling blocks.  

Perhaps serving others is the finest route

to nurturing an inclusive community.  

Let's strengthen and cherish one another.

Establishing a promising future begins, I believe, with service.