I’ve been to a seminar on medically led assisted dying today. It was stimulating and thought provoking
I was going to blog about it but I see that the Queen is poorly.
Several of my friends have texted me
They know I’m a royalist
The Queen is clearly dying
It’s all rather sad
Postscript
Like many Brits of my age, my family has grown up with the Queen. My parents and grandparents were die hard, post war Royalists, and their lives always seemed inexplicably linked with the Royal family in so many ways.
Her death links with memories and life events of my parents and grandparents today. Of days past and of memories sixty years in the making.
I’m guessing many of us will have this collective emptiness and sadness today.
Today has been quite profound
I’ve just heard Liz Truss say
God Save The King
I think of The Queen as my elderly aunt who I talk to on the phone - as she lives so far away - I hope Prince Phillip is closeby to comfort her x
ReplyDeleteMy 92 year old Mom had ovarian cancer and researched Medical Assistance in Dying, which turned out to be how she died. It was a plan in her pocket that made her last year less stressful and her choice that she could access when the time came. She gave us and herself a months notice and for that time we had tea parties, dinners out, lots of talks and hugs and time to say goodbye. It was sad but happy in a certain way….she did not suffer unduly and died in comfort with her family tightly around. It is a very good program and I admire the teams who provide this end to folks who choose it. I’m sure that as a hospice nurse you see where it would be a help to your patients.
ReplyDeleteThinking about Queen Elizabeth today here in Canada.
That is me Laurel, retired Nurse
DeleteThank you for this comment
DeleteI will revisit this soon, it was a profound study day
I'm not a Royalist, but do feel an affection for the Queen. She's been a stalwart throughout her reign. Yes, she's made some mistakes, but like her mother and father, has always put her country first. At least she will be getting the best care, something which is denied far too many at the end of their life. To refer to your seminar, assisted dying can't come soon enough. Controversial, I know, but that's what I think. xx
ReplyDeleteI will revisit the seminar subject
DeleteEven though I live in the USA I can't imagine a world without Queen Elizabeth. I hope her passing is easy and that all of her family can be there.
ReplyDeleteI understand she has made some mistakes, but haven't we all? I think in her honor I will re-read the "Miss Read" books and go back to a seemingly calmer time.
I am all for Medical Assistance in Dying. I have seen too much and am all for it.
I saw an assessment that she has been QE2 for approximately 30% of our existence as an independent nation. Rather amazing.
DeleteHer health is failing but to say she is "clearly dying" is insensitive.
ReplyDeleteThey wouldn't be gathering the family if she wasn't
DeleteShe's an amazing woman. I hope that she's able to die in peace, with dignity, and her family nearby. It will be a sad day when she dies.
ReplyDeleteShe has such a sweet, frail look to her in the photos with Liz Truss. My mother and another friend both had that sweet smile and look about them in the days just before they died.
ReplyDeleteI understand and have seen that look many times lynn
DeleteMost of us have never known a time when the Queen was not the Monarch. Royalist or not, she has led an extraordinary life, characterised by service to the nation
ReplyDeleteLike others have said, I hope she will have a peaceful death surrounded by her loved ones - something not everyone will be granted
End of an era
Siobhan xx
Well said
DeleteOh please
ReplyDeleteJust go away
Siobhan
Leave him alone. It's his blog and his conversations.
ReplyDeleteSo many of us have not known a time without Her Majesty on the throne and heading our country. She has been the constant that we have all so desperately needed for so long. I was so sad to hear the news only an hour or so ago.
ReplyDeleteThat constant gone will leave everyone rather floundering
DeleteIt seems to be that the end of her remarkable reign is shortly going to end. We will not see anyone as devoted to duty as our current Queen. God Bless Her.
ReplyDeleteIt feels an end of an era
DeleteCharles will do his best as will camilla
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI’ve changed it , for the one that sums her up so well
DeleteAlone at the funeral of Prince Philip
That was the beginning of the end for our dear Queen; she was the lonely remaining half of a strong and loving marriage. May they both rest in peace - together.
DeleteI see. The illustration though, at the end now is very heartwarming.
DeleteIt is sad. Love her and love you
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteStaunch royalist here too and feeling incredibly sad today.
ReplyDeleteMe too
DeleteI just heard the news, she died and I burst into tears.
ReplyDeleteI get that pixie ,
DeleteSad day for this anglophile. She was astounding.
ReplyDeleteYes, she has passed! It is sad!
ReplyDelete😪
DeleteShe died this afternoon. It was obvious with the 'calling in of the clan' that this was going to be the end. We'll never see her like again.
ReplyDeleteYes, my nurse head told me that
DeleteI'm truly saddened by this news. Much love to you and the people of the U.K., John.
ReplyDeleteIt’s an end of an era , thank you Jennifer x
DeleteHow sad,
ReplyDeleteI wish we would have had a proper insight into her thoughts
DeleteSo very sad. I have a lump in my throat. there will never be anyone like her again.
ReplyDeleteI’m not a lover of royal commentator Nicolas Witchall but his eulogy on the BBC was incredibly moving this evening
DeleteNicolas Witchell is visibly very upset tonight. Very moving and he is handling it well.
DeleteYes he and huw edwards both looked upset
DeleteVery sad news.
ReplyDeleteSad for many more reasons That I expected
DeleteRIP Your Majesty.
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteYes YP , I THINK most of us , Royalists or not, are feeling this
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and your fellow countrymen and women. In fact, condolences to all of us. Fondly remembered and never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteBonnie in Minneapolis
Thank you bonnie
DeletePerhaps our commentator with finally shut her obnoxious mouth
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and wishes to you and your fellow citizens. May her memory be a comfort. I shall miss sharing the same world with someone who was a rock in uncertain times.
ReplyDeleteNicely put mike
ReplyDeleteMy deep and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Queen. A great lady. I’ve been in love with her since a trip to Canada from the US as a child with my parents when she was a very young queen. I’ve always considered her my queen over on this side of the pond. I miss her greatly.
ReplyDeleteXx lou
DeleteI can still remember listening to the BBC coverage of the Queen's coronation on Canadian radio stations I could pick up near my home in northern North Dakota. I have lived most of my life with her and it feels like a dear relative has died. It's a sad day.
ReplyDeleteIt is but an historic day ….and a day we will join seeing a king on the throne
DeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Ursula has monopolised the nasty comment for too long , her son , the Angel, would be ashamed of her if he knew
ReplyDeleteI'm terribly sorry, my whole life she was there. She will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteSad greetings from Germany
Jodi
Thank you
DeleteMy heart goes out to you and all who feel sad and bereft of solace in your country,may she rest in peace with her beloved. I live in the US yet have admired and cared deeply for a few royals.Her needing to ride and sit alone die to COVID at her husband's funeral broke my heart. Mary
ReplyDeleteThat’s very kind Mary
DeleteThe Queen will be remembered for 70 years of duty and 'no outward complaining'. It was her job to do these attendances and I would think that some events would have been tiresome or dull but she always seemed happy to attend and ask the relevant questions and appear interested. May she rest in peace as she was a brilliant ambassador for the country.
ReplyDeleteShe worked bloody hard x
DeleteI was at a gathering with my cousins after my 93 year old uncles funeral. A sad day all around. Definitely the end of an era.
ReplyDeleteIt feels the same
DeleteNot a monarchist but quite sad tonight.. admired her greatly and just keep thinking ‘a mum has died’ x
ReplyDeleteYes reminders abound
DeleteAnonymous is me Libby x
ReplyDeleteHi libs x
DeleteI am so very sad to see this loss. I live in the US but I have always loved and respected the Queen. I send my condolences to your country.
ReplyDeleteThank u Bonnie
DeleteHope you are OK, John. A great shock to us all and an even greater loss to our country after a lifetimes committed duty. A constant in our lives. Will be dearly missed. Louise X
ReplyDeleteIt’s been an odd evening ….Nu and my friend Nigel have come forward as they knew it would be a bit difficult ..I’m ok just reflective
DeleteLook after yourself. It's very sad news 😢 Pleased about Nu and Nigel. Louis's X
Delete@ Anonymous 8:37 pm
DeleteWhy do you never identify yourself? Rather cowardly of you, given that your comments are so critical.
Jenny why does it matter to you that someone wants to remain anonymous? Anyone can put any name to a comment and you wouldn't know if it was a made up name so why make a fuss. I'm Bill but can you believe that? Perhaps I'm Tom Dick or Harry!
DeleteVery sad, I admired the Queen greatly. Condolences to her country. The world has lost a remarkable woman, who literally served her country to her final days.
ReplyDeleteCheers lizzy
DeleteWhat a woman. What a life.
ReplyDeleteI thought she'd be immoral.
You and your countrymen have my condolence.
Beautifully put Maddie xxxx
DeleteImmoral? Surely you mean immortal? However John agreed with you.
DeleteYes Immortal! Darn spell check changes words on me.
DeleteA profoundly sad day for us all. Godspeed Her Majesty.
ReplyDeleteThere is a line used in the funeral liturgy which regardless of religious belief seems so very apt 'May she rest in peace and rise in glory' I think many of us will mourn her death in ways we may not have anticipated ...x
ReplyDeleteJane
My sympathy to you as your Queen was a remarkable woman. I was 2 years old when she was crowned.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs!
I was so sorry to hear that she had died. I admire her so and am amazed at how long she served your country. She is loved and respected worldwide, John. xx
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. Crying in America too.
ReplyDeleteI have spent the last few hours crying my eyes out. I have only known this country having a queen. In an uncertain world of late she was a constant. Now with her beloved Phillip thank you for everything ma'am. ❤️ x
ReplyDeleteI am not British, but it is hard not to admire this woman for her long service to your country. Most of her subjects have have never known any ruler but the Queen.
ReplyDeleteThe blow is softened by that cartoon John. So many of us mourn her passing.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences on the loss of your beloved Queen. She was a woman of dignity and grace.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad for each person who loved and respected her. I felt that no matter what the Queen would carry on. I will miss her.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad at the loss of the Queen. I got tearful at work this afternoon when I heard.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending my heartfelt condolences to you, John, and my other friends in the U.K. May she rest in peace.
I have spent most of the afternoon & evening in tears. Liz Truss saying God Save The King really got to me. A sad day. Sue P
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not favour the institution of the monarchy, the Queen's dedication to duty was beyond reproach, and she has always had my respect and affection. I cannot imagine living life in such a goldfish bowl and with so many duties to balance. She was a very strong and special lady.
ReplyDeleteThis sums up my feeling about her, too
Deletegutted
ReplyDeleteToday is a sad day. My heart goes out to all Brits. RIP Queen Elizabeth II. You will be greatly missed but always remembered by people worldwide. Susan, USA
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad day. The Queen always reminded me of my mum, who passed a few years ago. RIP.
ReplyDeleteNina
Tina in west oz. Heard as soon as the radio alarm went off this morning and found myself crying. The Queen is dead, long live the King, and may he carry on her long-lived far-sighted service. I may be a lefty, but I appreciate her love for the Commonwealth and how much better it is for a people (and the land) than someone trying to stay in government for a 2nd four years then go off to a cushy job earned from the cronies! Also always appreciated her love for nature, horses and dogs.
ReplyDeleteSad day and sending you warm thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWho is going to hold the world together now?
ReplyDeleteDeepest sympathies to you! May your new king reign long and well. Chalk up another reader crying in the US today. —elf
ReplyDeleteThe end of an era and such a sad time. How I admire our beautiful Queen and will miss her.
ReplyDeleteMany in NZ are mourning her passing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure King Charles 111 will do an excellent job, with assistance from Queen Consort Camilla, and I look forward to seeing him encouraging some environmental reforms.
Over here, a politician tried unsuccessfully to stir up a republican movement a few years ago and I'm firmly in the Monarchy camp. Just imagine the jostling for preferment - it must be a woman/ a person of colour (Maori, and then the tribal jostling adds to the mix), a person with a disability ... etc, etc. Our Governor General is chosen (secretly) by parliamentary/government Bureaucrats, and there's been little public outcry.
The epitome of grace and goodness - she will be missed.
ReplyDeleteFeels like I've lost my beloved mum again. Rest in Peace Ma'am
ReplyDeleteI so hope that double rainbow was the Queen and Phillip letting us know they were back together.
ReplyDeleteShe was the one constant for so many of us here in the UK, and it just feels as though we've lost another 'Mum'. X
So very sad - she had such fortitude and seemed unstoppable. What a lady! I was born in 1957, five years after she became Queen so she is all I have ever known. It feels somehow like losing a granny.
ReplyDeleteAll respect to a selfless life devoted to others service with grace and dignity. Rest in peace, Ma'am.
I can never be able to feel the loss that the people of the Commonwealth must feel but I, and many in the United States, grieve with you at the loss of such a stalwart part of your lives. I was sitting yesterday and remembered, when I was 5 years old, my mother waking me to watch her coronation on television. She was a permanence and will be a void in the history of the planet. May she rest now in peace.
ReplyDeleteI don't think of myself as a royalist but I also have nothing against the crown as an institution, and she did serve as an effective and compassionate symbol of Britain for a very, very long time. It's hard to imagine the world without her.
ReplyDeleteWe're only Americans, and as such, can't fully appreciate all that you feel, but my son came over last night. We were all sad in my household. Quietly watching a (streamed) documentary about the Queen's life together. Godspeed to King Charles III. --Elise
ReplyDelete