Katrick: Learning lessons from Queen Elizabeth II

Where were you and what were you doing, when Elizabeth became Queen of England and her Provinces in 1952. A friend of mine from high school reminded me, that he and I, “Were still in the planning stages.”

Yet after we were born, it didn’t take us long to become aware of this exceptionally courageous, strong, determined and self-disciplined individual, who was already making her mark on history.

As I sat and watched the prayer service held for her, I was overcome with emotion. That’s what readings from scripture, a traditional Anglican liturgy, choir anthems and hymn singing can do to a person. And let’s not forget the fellow with the bagpipes.

There were all kinds of Divine-human connections going on at that service. At one point, the camera was focused on a young woman looking heavenward, her eyes welled-up with tears. She was locked onto someone up there. I’m wondering if it was the queen herself, reassuring her, that “I am okay, and you will be okay too. Now go out there and make a difference in this world, just like when I was your age.”

The influence that Queen Elizabeth II had on my life just sort of snuck up on me. For she had played a part in most every significant historic event that occurred since the year of my birth. As is often the case with anyone or anything that had to do with World War II, I thought of my mother and father who were both in the U.S. Army.

Like many other veterans and members of The Greatest Generation, my parents rarely talked about their experiences in the War. Though I’m not 100% sure of this, I believe that somewhere in my memory banks was a story or two about mom, an army nurse, spending time in England. If that was the case, she had something in common with Princess Elizabeth, who was evacuated to Windsor Castle.

Something else my mother had in common with Queen Elizabeth was that she kept her opinions to herself (except when she was around family and friends.) During my high school years, I so looked forward to our breakfast conversations before school, when we tried to solve at least half of the world’s problems.

Mom’s opinions were always insightful and carefully thought through. And she didn’t try to impose them on others. She was a very good listener who made eye contact, and always had an open heart and mind to what you were saying.

So what were you thinking and feeling during the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s life? Were you overcome with emotion? Did your eyes well up with tears? And did you look heavenward for words of reassurance from the Queen?

Along with her there are mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts, uncles and cousins, spouses, children and dear friends up there. They are ready and waiting to make personal connections, to listen intently and help us solve at least half of the world’s problems.

Mark Katrick is a pastor and spiritual director.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Katrick: On the passing of Queen Elizabeth II