Yesterday’s Land of

We live in a complicated world that is becoming even more so daily.

There was a moment not long ago when I merely needed to remember my keys when I emerged from home.

Now, of course, along with wallet, keys and ID, I must not forget my mask and sometimes a spare, “just in case.”

Yet despite all the endless changes in the seemingly interminable world of Covid, one thing remains static and yes, utterly, inexplicable.

That is, my ongoing interest in “The Family.”. Despite having celebrated a significant birthday, I never received a card of felicitation,. Nor have they ever scribbled a quick note wishing me a Merry Christmas. There was no get well message from their clan when I suffered from gout.

Obviously, we have never broken bread together nor do I anticipate ever receiving an invite to join them for any significant or even insignificant celebration.

Yet, this bizarre interest on my part continues. Possibly, it began when I heard the first rumblings reach our shores about their first public family discord, or was it the second? I forgot Wallis.

Then I realize that is inaccurate as I vividly remember setting my alarm clock decades earlier. I was determined on that dark November morning to listen to a wedding ceremony on our living room radio. And of course, you are right, I hadn’t been invited.

Perhaps you could say I eavesdropped from my Hells Kitchen bedroom while wearing my pj’s.

2020 has evoked so very many changes in my lifestyle and routine. I no longer have a weekly appt with Trevor who kept my hair so beautifully trimmed. Now it is clipped back with silver barrettes, and has softened in color.

I do admit that is a far nicer way to describe it than the brutal reality.

My social calendar is now empty. There are no more luncheon excursions downtown or appointments to view Tod and Andrews newest collection. I have no need for new clothes since Covid has usurped our world.

So why I wonder this ongoing intense interest in The Family. Perhaps it is due to the abundance of fairy tales I literally consumed early in life. Do I view Kate as a modern day Rapunzel or Megan as another Princess in captivity?

I don’t believe I will ever quite understand why I obsessively peek in opaque windows of a remote castle and hope all is well in that far removed world.

Probably it is because for a brief moment in time reality disappears. The heavy curtain of weariness with Covid, politics and yes, just a tinge of personal sadness, is momentarily lifted.

Perhaps that’s the true purpose of the Monarchy in this age of wonders. For a fleeting moment we are invited to ride on their magic carpet to yesterday’s land of make believe.