London, (Parliament Politics Magazine)- As we reflect on all that Her Majesty taught us during her reign, we can take those lessons into our own lives. She was far more than a public figure, or a figurehead who had to sign off legislation even when discomforted by its content. She was an intrinsic part of life in this country – the very fabric of our society. Her personal modesty, commitment to the job in hand, attention to detail and strong moral compass set a stable foundation. The life of each person is to be valued – she visited the frail, the downtrodden, the sick, the great achievers, medal winners, quiet workers, mums, dads, children, families large and small. She showed dignified calm, the judicious use of few words, the importance of a smile, of showing gentle pleasure and kind concern. She knew the limits of her influence and took the long view. Her Christmas messages brought wisdom into millions of homes – and after the broadcast many briefly analysed and absorbed the speech over a cup or mug of tea. And we all saw that life is no fairytale, not even for a Monarch, that nothing can be taken for granted, that humble discretion is far more powerful than forceful pomposity. In an instant tragedy can destroy the idyll. But above all she taught us that living as fully as possible is part of dying. We must all prepare for our own deaths, let people around us know what we do and do not want, have those important conversations of forgiveness, reconciliation and love before it is too late. By planning we can leave behind us order and gently fade into that night that awaits us all. As we reflect on every memory we each have of Her Majesty, the impact of her kind word or deed lives on, in each of us, in our society and wherever she brokered peaceful relations between peoples and nations. Grieving allows us to consolidate our own losses, reframe our own lives and reappraise our priorities. Perhaps at each place that her body rested a memorial could be placed, linking Scotland and England, providing a permanent loving reminder of her great life and all she gave each of us in different ways.
Tribute to Her Majesty Baroness Finlay of Llandaff
