STAYING GROUNDE AMONGST THE GRANDEUR
My son? Graduating from The University of St Andrews? With a first-class Honours Degree, The Principal’s Medal and an Honorary Lifetime Membership of the Students’ Association? …Yep! That’s correct!
I’m pinching myself, yet part of me, isn’t surprised at all. I have witnessed from afar, the hours of work, academic and otherwise, the single mindedness, the skill to manage the delicate balance between work and play and the ability to recognise when ‘it’ really does matter.
The morning before the graduation ceremony, I walked alone around the beautiful town of St Andrews. I savoured every moment, took in the sights, watched other parents with their grown children, fussing and beaming. I was beyond proud of my son. I wanted to stop every passerby and say… ‘my son got a First, you know …and he won The Principal’s Medal, he really did… he set his goals and achieved every single one and much more besides’ I didn’t, of course, I managed my Proud Mum Tourette’s very well.
So how do you keep such a high achiever grounded? I think Charlie has that covered, too. Amongst the pre-ceremony excitement, the tickets, the outfits, the gown, the tying of the bow tie, the VIP lunch, the Garden Party, The Medal and the Principal’s tribute. Amongst all of this excitement, Charlie was eagerly awaiting the arrival of … his new mop! No ordinary mop! A mop that applies cleaning fluid to the floor, as well as having the usual mop head… genius! Said mop, on arrival, was quickly removed from its packaging, and Charlie proceeded to fill it with detergent and skilfully and happily mop the kitchen floor.
The ceremony itself was amazing, we were treated like VIPs, and Charlie was showered with the praise he rightly deserved. It was a joy to see. Also joyful, his enthusiasm for his new mop. A little sign to me that he has the ability to remain grounded amongst all the grandeur.
Good lad Charlie.
Time to fly higher now, my beautiful boy, may you continue through life repeating your pattern of success thus far. Most importantly, keep on nurturing your natural ability to find happiness in the little things. Watch out, London, Charlie Maguire is on his way, with all his wonderful qualities and his new, efficient, pleasing mop.
With love,
Glynnis x