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While the royal couple, William and Kate visited Canada in July 2011, they took the time to speak to an Ottawa man with terminal cancer, 47 year old Terry Joyce.
[From Canadian news reports: It was a touching moment that reduced Mr. Joyce, who lives in the Bruyere Hospice, to tears. He said: “This has given me a tremendous lift. It goes to show that we have a wonderful monarchy and we really need people like this. I was told a week ago I would be meeting them and I have been looking forward to it ever since. It has been one of the best days of my life.”]
[From Canadian news reports: It was a touching moment that reduced Mr. Joyce, who lives in the Bruyere Hospice, to tears. He said: “This has given me a tremendous lift. It goes to show that we have a wonderful monarchy and we really need people like this. I was told a week ago I would be meeting them and I have been looking forward to it ever since. It has been one of the best days of my life.”]
As we watched the report of this tonight on NBC, we were able to share with our children what happened to Princess Diana; but more importantly we told them that she was compassionate with people with AIDS and victims of land mine explosions, recovering in hospitals. We told them that even though she was dead, she would have been proud of her son's behavior in Canada, last July.
William took the time during an amazingly busy schedule in Canada to speak over 5 minutes personally with Terry Joyce, who later said it was "the best day of his life." Observing the video of how William asked Kate to come over to speak, and the gentle way they comforted Mr. Joyce as he sat in a wheelchair was the most remarkable part of the trip in my opinion. As much as Brits criticize their royals, it was a heartwarming show of love for a common (dying) Canadian. It was the perfect example of public relations, humility, and love of people. William and Kate seem like they were born for their duties.
William took the time during an amazingly busy schedule in Canada to speak over 5 minutes personally with Terry Joyce, who later said it was "the best day of his life." Observing the video of how William asked Kate to come over to speak, and the gentle way they comforted Mr. Joyce as he sat in a wheelchair was the most remarkable part of the trip in my opinion. As much as Brits criticize their royals, it was a heartwarming show of love for a common (dying) Canadian. It was the perfect example of public relations, humility, and love of people. William and Kate seem like they were born for their duties.
We explained that everyone wants to be around royal couples, but the genuine love that comes when one human recognizes the terminal condition of someone else, and treats them with dignity and respect; transcends celebrity or fame. Whether royal or common, we explained, people love to associate with others who take notice of their plight, communicate honestly, and show a true regard for our shared lives as fellow humans.
I think Princess Diana took her sons with her to all the corners of the earth, often in dirty, uncomfortable situations, to inculcate them with a regard for all human beings whatever their circumstances. Compassionate leadership comes from an internal force of character, not a position in a royal family. Love for one's fellow man, or even "subjects," as in Canada, comes from identification of one's struggles, whether cancer, or losing a dear mother at a young age. This trip was a great start for the new royal couple, and they now have a fan in Texas. I can't wait to meet them someday!
Postscript: Terry Joyce passed away from Cancer in Ottawa, 52 days after being warmly greeted by the royal couple.
I think Princess Diana took her sons with her to all the corners of the earth, often in dirty, uncomfortable situations, to inculcate them with a regard for all human beings whatever their circumstances. Compassionate leadership comes from an internal force of character, not a position in a royal family. Love for one's fellow man, or even "subjects," as in Canada, comes from identification of one's struggles, whether cancer, or losing a dear mother at a young age. This trip was a great start for the new royal couple, and they now have a fan in Texas. I can't wait to meet them someday!
Postscript: Terry Joyce passed away from Cancer in Ottawa, 52 days after being warmly greeted by the royal couple.
©Mark H. Pillsbury
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