Wearing a necktie
the first time i tied a necktie, it was for a very fun and goofy purpose. i was a freshman in high school and our team (read: our coach) decided that everyone should get dressed up on game days. thus, everyone slapped on some wrinkled khakis, boring brown shoes, dress shirts, and a tie. before that, i had always used clip-ons.
it was one little day, but no one ever told me it would be the start of so many important meetings and occasions and banquets and parties. if you look back on all of the days in your life that you wear a tie, you can find a lot of meaningful days. i’d say it’s a better indicator of meaningful days than most else.
as i was sitting here strangling a tie on myself this morning, i couldn’t help but think about the symbolic nature of pulling that long strip of cloth around my neck and down to my belly button. it’s a simple act, but it can mean so much. there was a time when wearing a tie was just common dress, but now it’s a demonstration or confirmation that something serious is happening today. something that is memorable or celebratory or nerve-wracking or special.
sometimes it means, “i really want this job.” sometimes it means, “i really need to look professional.” sometimes it means, “i’m so happy.” sometimes it means, “this is very important.”
and sometimes it means, ‘goodbye’ to someone whose absence from this world is forever…
today, ‘goodbye’ it is…
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