Standing on the top, top
On the top getting down, yeah
Standing on the top (Yeah), top
On the top getting down, Temptations sing
(by Rick James)
So, I “marched” last Friday morning. What I mean is, I walked across the stage at Troy University to receive the textured, blue diploma cover containing a congratulatory letter form the chancellor and an imitation diploma (because the real one had been mailed to me a month ago).
Actually, the word “march” –when referring to going up onto the platform to receive one’s diploma—is somewhat of a misnomer. Not everyone who crossed the stage “marched”. I marched—of course—being an old war veteran, however, some people simply walked. Others stutter-stepped, stopped, and started again. Some sauntered. One fellow—obviously a “Q”—strolled across the stage while barking the familiar Q-dawg bark.
My fellow Master’s degree recipients and I each took turns crossing the stage, pausing at the midpoint to be “hooded”. Our “hoods” were ceremoniously placed about our necks and draped down our backs by two holders of the esteemed Doctorate degree.
The hoods did not cover our heads. If they had been placed on our heads, I imagine we’d have resembled an order of Druids or a priory of monks. As it was, I couldn’t help feeling like the acolyte of some great medieval times wizard who was being bequeathed full-fledged wizardry rights.
Thankfully, the ceremony went off without a hitch. I hadn’t faired so well receiving my undergraduate degree—I forgot my tassel. But this time I remembered all of my regalia, neither did I stumble, trip, nor slip while processing through the various ceremonial stations. I’ve seen videos of people who were not so fortunate.
I only wish that the great Wizard would have granted me the foresight to have known that the sleeves of the gown were actually sewn closed. Imagine my surprise when my hand ran into a dead end; a cul-de-sac of sorts, at the end of the sleeve.
It turns out that the correct way of donning the gown is by putting your arm through the hole located higher up the sleeve. What educated dummy thought of that idea?
Despite the sleeve glitch, I made it through and now I’m STANDING ON THE TOP!
Climb ev’ry mountain
Search high and low
Follow ev’ry by-way
Every path you know
Climb ev’ry mountain
Ford ev’ry stream
Follow ev’ry rainbow
‘Till you find your dream
A dream that will need
All the love you can give
Every day of your life
For as long as you live
Climb Ev’ry Mountain
Song by Shirley Bassey
Congratulations and all the best for the next phase of your life.
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Thanks so much!
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Right on brother congratulations and Rick James and the. Temptations brought the funk on this classic, ☮️
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Yesss! They did that! Thanks
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Temptations say……”We the funk and nothing else will do!”
Sorry, cuz…couldn’t help it! LOL!!!
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That hit your FUNKY bone cuz?
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🤣🤣🤣Think it didn’t when it did?! Sho nuff! I’m ready to get on the good foot …good gawd!
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LOL! 🙂
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How did I miss THIS?! How handsome you are! Such an accomplished man you are! But you know what Ron? You were smarter than most Ph.D’s 25 years ago! LOL!!!
Despite that fact, you did it!
I love you!
Your Cuz,
Gwin
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Merry Christmas my love and thanks! You have always been a source of encouragement and inspiration for me!
Next…that PhD. 😉
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YAAAASSS! 💋💋💋💋
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Dad I love this ❤️
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Thanks my son. Good to see you “here”! 😉
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