When his Majesty was forced to choose love over the throne, my grandfather, Daniel, was one of four hundred carpenters who readied the house, Buckingham Palace and the city, London for the coronation of his Majesty's brother, Albert soon to be George VI.
My grandmother, Mary and father, Frances lived on the grounds of the house but rarely saw him as he worked 18 to 20 hours a day. Mary, would wake as Daniel returned each evening to serve him some dinner before he fell into bed. On May 12, 1937, with Mary at his side, Daniel held Frances on his shoulders, his toolbelt still round his waist, as the new King and Queen's procession left Buckingham Palace for Westminister Abbey, the roar of the crowd vibrating in his ears. Long live the King! Long live the King!
I try to imagine the sound and the time as I sit at my drawing board in DC, designing the living quarters for the new president, his wife and girls,my dad, Frances watching from heaven his words of encouragement, "That's it Beth" making my heart pound as I draw.
what a cool moment...both of them actually...i can almost hear him...smiles
ReplyDeleteremembering the old while creating the new....nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful! Is it fiction? Oh, I hope not!
ReplyDeleteLove the picture you paint C.M. I love 'snapshots' in time.
ReplyDeleteYour Magpie made me tingle all over ~ which is very good!
ReplyDeleteAnother great piece. I'd love to have heard that roar for myself!
ReplyDeleteI loved this enchanting look into ordnary lives among "greatness"
ReplyDeletewell done and a good story
What a good story.. the prestige of it all! Good magpie..
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable read. Great Magpie.
ReplyDeletenice read! I enjoyed the behind the scenes feel.
ReplyDeleteDear CM: There is a definitive realism here that is inescapable. I am wondering if this is an actual account of the historical event of King George VI's Coronation? Decidedly so in my humble opinion. These characters are depicted so vividly as to be real people; whether or not this is case; is one for speculation. Very illustrative; capturing the essence of the times.
ReplyDeleteWere we all sucked in? Please tell us if this is a true story. Second thoughts, Maybe not. Changed my mind. Don't.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so decisive. We all felt the presence of your Grandfather so strongly. Great story telling.
Delicate span of worlds and time. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteBrian-I believe in listening to he past and present--thanks!
ReplyDeletesoundoffreedom--thanks for stopping by--I like moving back and forth between the old and new-c
ReplyDeletewillow--it is true if you wish--I have a grandfather that was from england but never knew him..except for the history I am afraid it is just another tale from another place-c
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer! Snapshots create the best stories! c
ReplyDeleteHelen-mission accomplished! When Istart I am never certain but I continue typing despite it all!! c
ReplyDeletelena--I watched a video on youtube--I would imagine the cheers reverberated through the little boy's chest! Thanks! C
ReplyDeleteThanks Suz--I had a great prompt--thanks Willow!
ReplyDeleteLyn--I like to believe we have the same majesty here albeit in a manner that allows all of us to be King or Queen! -Best C
ReplyDeleteSue J-glad you enjoyed-Thanks for visiting-best c
ReplyDeleteKathew-past and present my favorite times;-) best-c
ReplyDeletechicoreal--thanks so much but it is just a view of a time and a photo that sent me in a direction that I couldn't ignore--best c
ReplyDeletestafford ray--I am sorry but I made it all up except the part about Edward abdicating and his brother Albert having to take the throne;-) Thank you for your kind words--best c
ReplyDeleteTumblewords--Thanks so much!
ReplyDeletecute tale!
ReplyDelete