60 years on lunch

That was what it was called - 60 years on lunch. It happened yesterday when students who matriculated (began) life at Jesus College, Cambridge in 1964 were invited back to celebrate. In anticipation we were sent a dress code (no gowns required) plus a list of attendees. I wondered how many of us in hovering in our early eighties would assemble to hobble up the massive flight of stairs to the upper hall. The list had 25 names plus many spouses. Carol's name was down but her declining health meant a late sad apology.

I know I have posted before about meeting old college friends. This was the best occasion of them all. Why? Partly because we were so happy to recognize one another and reminisce. Genuinely delighted. Several remembered me primarily as an artist (!) with memories exaggerated by passing years. True, my easel and oil painting dominated my room and my exhibiting and even selling paintings were part of youthful chutzpah. I read geography, specializing in geomorphology, and the two fellow geography students independently commented that I was probably more into art than geography. One of them was a double blue playing against Oxford in cricket and football so sport loomed large in his life.  But as we shared stories and caught up with careers etc. there was a liberating positivity. It was joyful.

Partly because the food was splendid. Apparently there's a new chef, and over 2 and half hours we were feted with tasty, substantial courses which even I appreciated.  I say 'even I' because my usual diet closely follows Carol's necessary dairy free simple tastes. This was anything but simple. At the end the Master, Ms. Sonita Alleyne - the first black woman appointed Master to a Cambridge college (and yes Master is the correct address) - began with heartfelt gratitude for the meal. 'What a really great meal!' she said with such genuine enthusiasm.  From the heart. We all agreed!

And that was the third important reason. She urged us to reflect on the wonder of being alive and together, beginning with a description of the world in 1964 and in all the changes since over these intervening years we could meet with a collegiality, forged by those years in community and of such quality it still held value 60 years on. It was a secular message but it had immense spiritual resonance. Yes, I needed to say 'Thank you Lord for all this early life experience with these friends. Help me be positive and grateful as I look back and see your hand guiding all the way along'.