A friend of mine graduated from the University of Ghent yesterday.  I’ll call her Isabelle.  She was allowed to invite three guests to the ceremony … and she included me!  I was thrilled.

The first task of the day was remembering how to create a Windsor knot in my tie.  The knot is so cool and triangular  … but I hadn’t worn a tie for years.

So I Googled.  Here’s one image of the process:

Steps 9 and 10?  Sadly, the complexity baffled me, and my knot looked like a lump of clay.

So … I decided to let my hands remember.  My brain went for coffee.  On my third try, it worked!  Delightfully triangular.  What a good boy am I.

***

The ceremony and reception afterwards were grand expressions of celebration – everybody dressed up, including Isabelle in a stunning black top festooned with red flowers. 

Smiles, families, friends.  As each graduate’s name was called, she or he moved the tassle on their black hat from the left side to the right, signifying a life transition.  Lovely.

There were about 600 people in the hall, including maybe 70 grads.  So much commitment in that room – years of study or years of supporting those who study.  It was a magnificent display of humanity.

Two of my favourite moments were at the reception.  When one of Isabelle’s professors saw her, his face glowed and a smile filled the space.  Same with a second prof who approached Isabelle.

I watched carefully.  My friend has made a huge impact.

***

Well done

Celebrate you