It felt good, being a part of something traditional, and larger than myself. More than being part of a particular graduating class at a particular university, I felt that I was becoming a part of the greater world of formalized higher learning and taking steps toward being a part of a group of people who are working to make the world a better place. I used to feel that there wasn't much of a place for ceremony in my personal life, but I really have come around to an appreciation, and even desire, for it, when it's appropriate. When there's something important enough to me for a public formalization and recognition to be meaningful to me.
The form and formalities of the ceremony were really interesting too. There's a little mysticism surrounding the color of the robes and the symbolism of the neck cords and tassels. It makes me want to read up on the symbolism.
My mother, my grandmother, and Danae were able to attend the ceremony itself. Seeing them there, both during the program and in the hallways afterward, connected the public nature of the ceremony to the personal, and meant a great deal to me. The depth of my emotional response to that was unexpected, but is definitely true. When Danae greeted me with a bouquet of roses and love and happiness in her eyes, I almost cried. It was so unexpected, and made me feel so loved, as she so often does.
My dad was unable to be there due to school-related tasks of his own. I missed having him there, but I understand the need to be where he was, both for his students and, as theatre instructor and mentor, for his actors and crew. While he's proud of me for my accomplishments, I'm at least as proud of him for the amazing work he's done as a theatre teacher. I've done theatre; it is not accomplished lightly.
(I've never had a really good handle on using phrase "I'm proud of you," or expressing that I'm proud of someone. It feels like I'm claiming credit for some of their accomplishment, or that I'm somehow putting myself in a superior position. I don't think most people see it that way, and I probably overthink it.)
While my mother and grandmother drove out to get my dad, Danae and I strolled over to the reception in Main Place, a large open area outside of the library on campus. I was hoping there'd be more faculty and staff I knew, but most of the faces were unfamiliar. My advisor, and the archaeologist who I did my field school under, were both there, and it was great to talk with them for a little bit. I'm hoping to keep up with some other folks via Facebook.
Back at the house, Danae and I met up with the others, plus my youngest brother T​. We drove down to Toshi Sushi for dinner and conversation, then Miriam headed home while my family all drove out to Johnsburg to drop my grandmother off at home. We talked with my aunt and uncle there; I enjoyed listening to my aunt talk about her glass work. Some of the terminology, and even methods, of glasswork are reminiscent of metal work. Thinking about that makes her choice of Anvil's Echo as her business name even more wonderful as a remembrance of my grandfather.
My grandmother gave me a wonderful card with a sweet, thoughtful handwritten message of love and congratulations and confidence that is deeply meaningful to me. I'm so fortunate in having been born into the family I am a part of.
My family and I in the front yard after the ceremony
One more of Danae and I ( behind the cut. )![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
