Where have all the years gone?

I can remember exactly what I was doing 21 years ago yesterday, I was giving birth to my daughter. I remember it vividly because my husband complained that he couldn't cope with the labour because his chair was uncomfortable - I would willingly have swapped places!! I didn't realise at the time that our second daughter was born on the anniversary of the queen's coronation, I was more concerned that she would be young in her year when she went to school (which has not caused her any problems). Having a birthday in early June has was a good thing because it coincided with half term and we were always on holiday in Cornwall for her birthday. We have some very special memories of beech birthdays and trips to the pony centre to see her favourite pony Munchkin. 


The first time that I realised that there was a connection with the queen was in 2002 when the queen celebrated her golden jubilee. We were in Cornwall and we had a wonderful view of the beacon that was lit a Trevose Head, there was a firework display too. This time my daughter went to London on the day before her birthday to celebrate with her friend and to enjoy some of the excitement of the jubilee celebrations. I think she rather likes sharing her special day with the queen.


Significant anniversaries always leave me wondering where all the time has gone. How can my little girl be 21? it doesn't seem possible. I have so many happy memories (and embarrassing photos) of those growing up years and I am very proud of the young woman she has become. On the subject of embarrassing photos, there are a couple of me dressed as Britannia for the queen's silver jubilee, where has the time gone. I expect the queen asks herself the same question when she looks back on her long reign. It can't be easy to live your life in the spotlight with people feeling that they have the right to criticise and comment on every aspect of her life. We may not have a perfect system, but when I look around and see what other countries have instead, I am glad that we have a monarchy.