Blessed or Blest?

I often used to wonder why so many people use the word blessed/blest! To me it had become another Oprahism that everyone just used when they couldn’t express how thankful they were/are.

In the last two weeks, I have definitely joined the blessed and blest gang! To find the words to express how utterly grateful I am would wear out poor Roget. His Thesauarus would never be the same again.

This past four years have had their ups and downs, I have lost, in many senses, family and friends who were a massive influence on my life. Most still remain with me in spirit and provide an amazing sense of courage to continue on this adventure. Others, well, sometimes when we move on with an adventure, some stay and others go! That’s the nature of life!

These photos were taken in 2019 when I finished Access and got my place at University of Glasgow, and the second taken a few days when I graduated with an MA(hons) in Scottish Literature (class of degree to be confirmed).

The quote in the image is from Edwin Muir's Autobiography. His work has sustained, frustrated me but kept me sane over the last two years, and hopefully into the next two!

So all I can say yet again is Thank You and I promise to make everyone who believe s/ed in me proud when the next part of the adventure begins.

Mary Geraldine Coleman

MA(hons) Scottish Literature

University of Glasgow