It began like any another day. I woke up early and fought my way through the traffic to get to work on time. But this day was not like any other. It was 7 February 1999 - a date engraved in the memory of every Jordanian. It was the day when a whole nation wept, mourning the death of its leader: King Hussein.
My job at the time was editor for an online news agency. It was my responsibility to publish the news of the death of the king on our website as soon as possible. We heard the news around noon. The whole office went silentnot a single word, a single sound, not even a sigh. We were all in a state of shock, perhaps even denial.
The day passed with us gathering news, receiving condolences and publishing them online. We worked, still in shock, either glued to the computer screen or to the television. Later in the day we gathered around the TV and watched the entire nation mourning the death of its leader. Some held vigils in front of the hospital where the late king died, others cried hysterically. Some held posters of the king and stood openly weeping in anguish.
I could hear the sobbing but it wasnt coming from the TV; it was inside our offices. Our editor suddenly collapsed and began crying like a baby! He was mourning the loss of a King; a leader he and so many others saw as a father. After seeing our editor cry, we could hold our tears no longer. As a group we sobbed and cursed the day.
The monarchy in daily life
The late King Hussein will always embody the idea of monarchy for me. We were all brought up to love, respect and admire him, but not just for what he was, but for what he did for our nation. Until this very day, almost three years after his death, all feel his soul remains with us. For Jordanians not a single day passes without feeling the late Kings presence. He stands as a silent sentinel on posters (usually put up adjacent to those of his son, King Abdullah II).
During his reign the world was awestruck, marvelling at Jordans development during his reign. He was a leader with an unmatchable political charisma that brought worldwide admiration. His ample wisdom enabled Jordan to overcome regional disturbances and crises. He made ours a Kingdom, one that we could all be proud of.
For Jordanians, the Royal Family forms an integral part of daily life. I was no different. I worked on Queen Rania Street, and took part in King Abdullahs IT initiative, then I swam in King Husseins Sports city, played squash at the Prince Hamzeh Centre. I learned music at Queen Noors National Music Conservatory, and turned my application in for the Prince Hassan award. But their influence extends beyond the posters or the nomenclature of streets and institutions. They sponsor events, take part in public rallies and even issue royal decrees.
I dont think I could ever imagine my life as a Jordanian without the Royal Family. The Hashemite family will always form an inseparable part of that identity. They are an image I carry wherever I go of what my home is. They are an icon I can point to with pride when I speak of my country. As a Jordanian, born and raised on the soil of the Hashemite Kingdom, I know my life would not be what it is today without the presence and now the memory of my late King and the hope his son now heralds.
