EkuaMenlekyi! Quiet, firm, simple, and diligent. From the days of the Tema parents toMrs TuffMensah, your piano mistress; fromAburi Girls to the University of Cape Coast; fromUni-Petrol, Westel, and Fidelity to Aspire Plus—you have carried these qualities throughout. I have had the opportunity to be close to you, and I say this with confidence. I had the honour, together with Daddy, to pick you up fromAburi Girls after sixth form. You had packed all your things—and if I may borrow a phrase you understand— alphabetically. I had the same honour again, this time alone, to pick you up fromCape Vars after your last paper. You did not want to spend even an extra hour after your final paper, with your things packed in exactly the same way as when you left Aburi Girls You continued in the same manner when youmoved to Korle Bu and then toMango Lane, Community 20. Woe betide anyone you invited to help you clean up. Nets checked (“neatibertically”). Floor checked (“neatibertically”). Kitchen sink and others (“antigermsbertically”). You always kept a small notebook—more than CIA data backup—for everything. It contained details of everything one could imagine and was your constant reference point. You are more than a carpenter, mason, plumber, or tiler—you name it. You always find out every detail of a particular trade and even lecture the professionals on their own work . You have a microscopic eye in the kitchen. On one occasion, I brought you some foodstuffs from our farm. Being you, you called me early the next morning: “Ben, medaase pii. Nyame nhyira wo,” but then asked whether there was any galamsey activity in the farm area and the distance between the farm and the location. That is you, BB. You can cook—COOK—sweet and delicious meals, and you do so for every family gathering. With all this precision and discipline, it is no surprise that Aspire Plus has come this far. Quiet, firm, simple, and diligent BB. I am happy you are my sister. With all of this, you play your role very well in the house of God. And though we share the same middle name, Menlekyi, I am glad I chose to name my daughter after yours and not mine at all. God bless you, BB. Papa Menlekyi 22 The Birthday Journal
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