A Proud Moment

We got a phone call one day. "I've finally finished my dissertation" Richard said.

"My tutors have marked it too", he continued. "I got a distinction!"

He had been doing a theology masters for some time and it was his responsibility to write up his thesis to get his final mark, now he had completed it. He had been marked with a merit overall and so was eligible for graduation.

Richard invited us to the graduation ceremony so we went for the weekend to Manchester. Richard wanted to make it a real celebration. We were able to get a reasonable priced train ticket, and the train journey was only two hours. This was very quick!

Later that afternoon there was a communion service in the college chapel and although it was not compulsory to go, Richard had the task of the first reading. We were panicking because we thought we were late. Richard dived out the car into the service leaving Fiona to lock the car up. It turned out the he had arrived just in time and that the leader of the service had not noticed he had been late.

That evening the college had put on a graduation meal. Andrea and I had made sure we bought our best outfits to wear. Sarah-Jane had really helped Andrea to choose the appropriate clothes; she has been a real blessing.

The meal was quite nice and was laid out really well. Previously I would have felt intimidated by events like this, but God has been working in me to know who I am in Christ. After the meal a talk was given, I was expecting a stuffy posh talk but it was friendly and full of laughter.

I was so impressed by the tutors and professors of Richard's college; they all seemed very friendly and approachable. This was a theology college and all seemed to have a real passion for Jesus.

The following day there was the graduation proper so in the morning Richard felt he needed a haircut. He suggested we go look at an antique emporium about 20 metres up the road. It was in an old local town hall.

We went in and it was a real adventure of discovery. Every room or wall was choc full of stuff; different rooms had different traders, some with furniture, some with knick-knacks and jewellery and some with ex-army or war memorabilia. We wanted to spend ages in there. Andrea caught sight of some lovely ceramic tiles and I was interested in the Second World War uniforms that were on display.

We were mindful of Richard wondering where we were if he had finished his haircut. But as we returned to the barbers he was still in the barbers chair receiving finishing touches to quite a short hair cut. We joked with him and the barber joined in. He told us he knew London fairly well as he visited his brother quite often. It always surprises me how many people know of have visited Bermondsey. When we talk to people it's nice to have something in common with them have experienced where we live.

When we returned to the house Fiona's parents had arrived and were being shown round. They had not seen the new house before so this was a real treat for them. They didn’t have a lot of time because the ceremony was later that afternoon. We all hurriedly got changed and rushed to the university. We were in good time when we arrived.

As I entered the main hall where the ceremony was held I looked up and saw the very ornate wooden ceiling. The hall was large with many my people milling around looking for their seat.

After hymns and a few prayers it was time for the ceremony. Names where read out and people mounted the stage to much applause. Richards turn came and he looked so chuffed to get this. I was trying frantically to take a photo but when I looked afterwards it was all blurry.

After the ceremony we were able to take photos of him in his gown and met all his tutors. They complimented him for his "good head on his shoulders" I felt honoured.

In the evening we booked a family meal for all of us. It was most enjoyable.