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When I was a very young girl, there was a popular tv show called “Queen for A Day.” While I don’t remember much about it, one thing stands out. Whoever won the honor of being queen for a day, though a short lived reign, she was showered with all kinds of wonderful gifts, accolades and treasures that made her feel extra special. 

So, why am I talking about this old tv show?

Well, this past week while much of the world has mourned the loss of Queen Elizabeth II—a true queen, the strangest thing happened to me. Little ole me.

At 96 the queen left a legacy that’s impressed and affected many people around the world, regardless of any affiliation they may or may not have to the UK. Yet, even though I’ve never been a big fan or follower of the royals, to my astonishment— I had a vivid dream about Queen Elizabeth II.

Coincidentally, as I considered the dream I also began to think about that long forgotten tv show- Queen for a Day. 

In my dream I was chatting with Queen Elizabeth. We hadn’t talked for long before she excused herself for, no doubt, more important things. In a fluster, I tried desperately to express myself to her about some issue I felt was important. Yet I couldn’t spit-it-out quickly enough. As she turned to walk away, I made one more attempt to say it. She stopped short, took my hand in hers and pressed a hard-edged, yet delicate object into the palm of my hand, quickly folding my fingers over it. Opening my hand, I beheld a beautiful, and glistening, gemmed brooch shaped like a butterfly. Stunned, I thanked her profusely and told her how my mother also loved butterflies and had collected many similar pins. Grateful beyond words, I let her go on her way. Sadly, as the dream continued, I misplaced and lost the brooch along with a few pieces of jewelry my mother had given me.

Waking from the dream with a feeling of great loss, thoughts of my mother who passed a little more than ten years ago, came to mind. Ironically my mother would have also been 96 if she were still living today.   

So, as I sat in contemplation of all of this, a few things occurred to me. 

1. The dream was more about the loss of my mother, my queen, than about a heralded royal celebrity  
2. Both my mother and the queen liked to wear hats and brooches.
3. Both women stood by their faith and principals no matter what came their way. 
4. The spiritual gems inherited from my mother, and the queen, are the most precious kind of jewels that can be left as a legacy.  

Much like the sample of quotes listed here from Queen Elizabeth II, my mother also believed:

“The life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace,… is an inspiration and an anchor in my life” ( Queen Elizabeth 2014) 

“Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it    can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.” (2011)

“The gift I would most value next year is that reconciliation should be found  wherever it is needed. A reconciliation which would bring peace and security to families and neighbours at present suffering and torn apart. Remember that good spreads outwards and every little does help. Mighty things from small beginnings grow as indeed they grew from the small child of Bethlehem.” (1976)

“I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God!” (2002)

So, hail to all the queens (& kings) who reign in our hearts well beyond a day or two. Those who leave a legacy of faith, forgiveness, and many other gems that continue to sparkle on for years. Our hats are off to you! 

Tell me, here, about the queen, or king, that made a difference in your life. 

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