The only graduation I had ever attended was Pat’s. And that was a long time ago. Germans didn’t do Graduations when I graduated in the 80s. “Unter den Talaren steckt der Muff von tausend Jahren” was the agreed view on ceremonies dominated by gown-wearing old men.

One of Pádraig’s sisters graduated in Germany, Pádraig himself missed out on his, so today’s graduation ceremony was the first one in a long time, the first one for us as a family. It was all very exciting. Later on in the day, we went for an early dinner with the extended family. The day was full of life and celebration. It was a very happy day in a very special way for all of us. A day that proved if proof was needed that life, Pádraig’s life and our life, goes on, with happy days like this!