The Queen is 90.

I am choosing to talk about the Queen of England being 90. 

This morning I was watching some of her family looking at old home movies of her.  The thing that impressed me the most wasn’t that she once was a vibrant young person shouldering the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.  Rather it was her ability to maintain family values for the most part.  I do realize that there were a few moments of an unruly Prince here and there. 

Think about it though.  I’m sure that she had nannies and servant to do everything for her kids.  I’m relatively certain that she never had to figure out how to sort colors and whites on laundry day.  I’m sure that her life has been very blessed and organized for her.  I doubt she has rarely if ever stirred a pot on her stove.  I do believe though, that her husband can and does barbeque and cook. 

Here’s my opinion.  She hasn’t been recognized for her housewife capabilities.   She continues to ride horses and hunts.  She continues to have a full physical life at 90.  This impresses me.  I do understand that she clearly has longevity in her genetic gene pool.  The queen mum was over 100 when she died.

There was an interview with William and Harry talking about how their grandmother’s role changed after their mother died.  I found it oddly refreshing that she seemed to have taken over the role of mother for them.  They both said that while there was a known level of animosity between Dianna and many of her royal in-laws, the queen spent a great deal of time working with them to embrace their mother’s charities. 

Both of the boys said that while she was a very strong-willed person and would “invite” them to see her when they knew that they were going to be crucified for their actions.  The conversation always ended on a positive note, normally inviting them to spend more time with her.  She did this with all of her grandchildren. 

I guess, once again, I am intrigued with the value of an extended family.  Regardless of whether we are royalty or “commoners”.  Family is critical to build a happy and productive next generation.  Whether we are raising our kids to be a future generation of King and whatever title Harry has, or whether we are raising our kids to be productive contributors to our society, we need fundamental tools.  An excess of generations to nurture and strengthen and love our kids is always a bonus. 

I have known many 90+ year old people and have probably taken the longevity of their life and the wisdom that they developed through the years for granted.  Hopefully, some of their life lessons sunk in.  Hopefully, I will be able to share these things with younger ones.  

I guess the point of this blog is that we all need to learn to put our own opinions aside.  It is far more critical and valuable to share our time and knowledge with others than it is to share our opinions.  My grandmother Onega used to say, “Opinions are like butts, (although her term was far more colorful) everybody has one.”  That was just another wise saying that she had.

Do the people reading this share my thoughts?  Please share opinions, I know that you all have one…