I thought I’d embarrass everybody by crying my eyes out at Son’s Oxford University graduation ceremony, but I managed to control myself. Whether it was due to the jubilant mood of the crowd, the freezing temperatures as we stood in the shockingly long queue of proud parents and friends, which snaked around the Sheldonian, or the hard wooden seats in the Theatre, or the one and a half hour ceremony, mostly conducted in Latin, I don’t know. It could also have been Husband’s whispered Dog Latin jokes like, ‘Salitamus Harricus Potterus,’ ‘Glutumus Maximus’ or ‘Bickus Diccus’ ala Private Eye’s That Honorary Degree Citation In Full or Monty Python. I had one wobbly moment when the graduants stood up and clapped the family and friends, and Son looked at us, sitting in the Gods, and smiled. Proud parent doesn’t come anywhere close to describing what I felt at that moment. But that soon passed when a candidate was given a Masters Degree in Studies and Husband whispered, ‘Surely that must include dining rooms and bedrooms too?’
The rest of the day went swimmingly, in spite of the wintry temperatures outside. Luckily the heating in the marquee at Son’s college kept everyone warm during the celebratory lunch. There weren’t any speeches, just a few sensible and encouraging words from The Principal.
And what did I wear, you may ask. Well, the weather completely scuppered my plans. Luckily it didn’t rain much, but the forecast looked so dodgy, I decided to opt for a long sleeved black Agnes B jersey dress and a Jaeger jacket, tights and Miu Miu peep toe shoes. I added the scarf at the last minute and boy was I glad I did. Even though it is just a thin silk thing, it was a birthday present and kept me a little warmer than had I not worn it. Standing in the queue, waiting to go into the ceremony for half an hour, whipped by the occasional freezing gusts of wind, I fantasised about the several warm cashmere wraps, winter coats, smart boots or thicker tights I could have worn.
Going for a conservative look also seemed the right decision….and all items were already in my wardrobe. Fancy that!
Congratulations to you and your husband and your son! What an extraordinary achievement—I'd have been weeping like mad. One question: How can you possibly have a son old enough to be leaving university?? You look like YOU should be attending your own college graduation!
You must be exceptionally proud of your son. Sounds like a fantastic day.
Is your son single?
I have an Oxford fetish.
I'm joking, kind of.
You have all reason to be proud in the loud kind of way.
Thank you so much Susan, you flatterer!
Hunter, it was the best day of my life so far.
Hannah, very funny. I don't blame you, I was fascinated by Oxford when growing up in Finland. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that MY SON would study there.
Helena xx
PS. My son has a lovely, lovely scientist girlfriend. xx
How wonderful for you and of course congratulations to your son. What a shame the English weather was it's blustery worst!
Wow, you must have felt beyond proud! Congratulations on your Son's truly wonderful achievement, I aspire to go to Oxford University and it is so marvellous to read of someone who has done just that 😀
That's cheating.. there was no Agnes B option in your earlier post! ;^)
Still, looks like the DNKY number was the closest alternative.
Congratulations to you, husband and clever, clever son.
I cry at the drop of a hat, so I'm very impressed that you weren't reduced to a quivering wreck.
And I'm sorry the weather let you down – but I'm sure you looked fab. xx
I know how I would feel if I had a son graduating from Oxford so I can easily imagine how you must have felt. Wow!
Ps – that outfit is so cute!
You must be feeling so proud, I am for you..its funny reading all the "How I came to England" we are there at the beginning, so its wonderful to see the result so to speak… You looked lovely by the way, sometimes you have to shiver a little to be glam, but the scarf looked great xx
What a great day for your family! You look so chic, too – and I can only imagine how cold you must have been. BRR!
What a proud moment for you and your husband. Wow all the energy and hardwork put in has paid off, and to top it all, you look gorgeous, super choice. Treasure the moment.xxx
you look lovely and very appropriate- you seem too young to have a son graduating from Oxford!
You're all so kind. My heart was filled with such pride, it must have made me look younger too. The cold kept the tears at bay too, I'm sure.
Helena xx
HI Helena
Well you must be so proud of your son.. congratulations to him on receiving his masters.. and congratulations to your husband for keeping the whole affair amusing.. I've only just started reading your 'How I came to be in England' story but can see his great sense of humour must have facted into it.. Thanks for popping over my way… I'm usually an IT analyst and rarely have time to 'see the pretties' so lucky I am on a lazy break… have a great week xx Julie