Thank You, Everyone!

As the country reflects on the life of our dear and loving Queen Elizabeth II, as we see her life as a child and as our Queen unfolded in film and video, it gives us immense comfort in knowing the respect from the whole world has rippled in constant waves of support and love from every corner of the world.

No matter anyone's faith or following, there is a sense when a human life ends that it is the folding of a tent that closes the lived life with a short silence and a gentle parting. There is a biblical reference that describes the dissolving of life thus: For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (English Standard Version) Over the past 48 hours, I have felt both an emotional and physical collapse of an era and a rising of newness. I have felt deep sadness upon sadness and then too happiness in thoughts of my Queen Elizabeth. Grieving for anyone losing a loved one, a close friend and even a Queen of such distinction in impossible situations, inevitably brings with it a period of grieving, which seems so hard to bear but it is that unique period when healing issues forth to take its course in our humanity. At this time we gently and gradually rise again and renew our commitment to better the lives of those we know and will come to know. Queen Elizabeth did this in the passing of Prince Philip last year. She showed us her dignified grief in her loss of her closest and lifelong companion but came back to her people to show us that grieving is a process through which we reach forward to a new generation. Her Jubilee celebrations drew the whole of `Britain together and once again we witnessed the ripples of her life reach around the globe.

There can be no doubt that our new King Charles III will take his place as the new Monarch. His speech last night had all the dignity and grace of his mother. The people of Britain will deliver support when integrity is present and obviated by action. This can only be measured by a lived life reaching day by day into the future. Knowing how the Queen invested in the lives of people her life touched, the royal family will take a new direction under his leading. It is his time to stand as steadfast and resolute as his mother, the woman and Queen who never failed us. Situations arise for all of us to fill a place no other can fill in the moment. As a father, I know this and all the more as I grow older. Often, we as parents, as sisters, as brothers, as friends must deny ourselves for the betterment of others. When we do, there is always an amazing outcome though we may not see it at the time or indeed ever see it.

The King's speech last night was filled with grace and love for everyone but especially his mother, Queen Elizabeth. It was one those most remarkable speeches you never forget because emotion of the heart was so evident in all of its power. This will be my last post of this nature, my dear woodworking friends. I will renew myself with thoughts of woodworking into the future once more., but for now! Long live the King! Long live the King of Kings!