Lovin' On the Queen

ELIZABETH ASCENDED a couple of years before I was born, so I've never paid undue attention to her, I've never known a world without her, and. quite likely, will rather soon. I've always tended to like her; she has a natural warmth about her, a higher sort of humility which transcends her lofty station. She's never seemed imperious, arrogant, or aloof. Now, suddenly, I absolutely adore her. her Yorkshire terrier that she has loved for fifteen years died, and the report is that the queen is absolutely devastated. And like they said on National Public Radio, if you don't think this is important, ask any pet owner, we Americans understand. It may be that the queen is experiencing just about the greatest pain she has aver felt, because of that special dog and human bond we all know so well. I have long suspected that for most Americans, the death of a long lived and beloved pet dog or cat is more emotionally painful than the death of parents and friends. That's how much we care. and, it would seem, the Queen of England is one of us. Dear lady, please accept my invitation to become an "honorary American." I met and became good friends with a well educated, thoughtful man from china, who had come to the states to pursue an advanced degree. he remarked one day that "you Americans are the loneliest people in the world. You care more about your dogs and cats than you do each other!"...Did he have us pegged, or what? Maybe there is a certain truth in that, and maybe it extends beyond U.S. borders. As for the queen, we know that you will get through this horrible, devastating event, great lady, because you are strong, and good. And besides, you and your sweet doggie friend are still together, and always will be...