My BB, From the very first moment our paths crossed, my life changed. I was the best man and you were the maid of honour at a wedding, and even before the wedding day arrived, my mind was already made up. Two days before the ceremony, at the rehearsal, I knewwithout doubt that you were the one. We got together immediately after the wedding, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. I still thank my God and my stars for that wedding of Canaan where our story began. You are a visionary in every sense of the word—professionally and at home. I am immensely proud of what you have achieved over the years. Watching you build and nurture small, medium, and especially large start-up companies has been extraordinary. Many of these organisations are still in operation today, continuing to use your ideas, systems, and direction. I genuinely doubt there are many people who could have done what you have done with such consistency and impact. Beyond that, your love for mentoring and coaching young school leavers and college graduates searching for job opportunities speaks volumes about your heart. Many of these young people have become part of our extended family, and that legacy of care and guidance is priceless. At home, you are the pacemaker—simple and short. Almost every activity starts with you in one way or another. Your approach to work continues to amaze me. I honestly don’t knowmany people who are as thorough and committed as you are. You will spend an entire night reviewing work you already know inside out, even when you are chairing the meeting yourself, just to be sure no stone is left unturned. I often wonder howmuch energy will still be left in the tank, but you somehow do this effortlessly—even three days in a row if needed. What drives you is simple and pure: the need to help, to provide clarity, to show how things can be done effectively, and to solve HR-related problems for organisations that reach out to you. Outside of work, you have several interests that make you tick. You love to cook, and you do so wholeheartedly—even when we have many guests, you insist on doing everything yourself. Music runs deep in you; you love it in all its forms, you love to dance, and above all, you love playing music in the Catholic Church and supporting the choir. Gardening is not just a pastime for you—it is something you take seriously, maintaining sheds dedicated to cultivating specific plant species. Your love for children is endless; you care for them naturally and instinctively, and I have often thought you would have made an exceptional nursery teacher. You once talked a lot about tennis—though I never saw you play it—and now I somehow knowmore about international tennis than you do. Golf, which I introduced you to, has clearly stolen your heart. Because we can sometimes play together, I selfishly discouraged you from taking up other sports I couldn’t share with you, and now I can see howmuch you truly enjoy it. Dogs have always been part of our home since we started life together. We both love them, but you are the one who finds the vets, manages the groomers, oversees their care, and worries about what they eat. There is always one dog sleeping under the window of whichever room you are in—whether you are working, resting, or asleep. That alone says so much about your nurturing spirit. In family life, you have been exceptional. You were more a daughter than a daughter-in-law to my mother, and you relate so naturally with everyone in both your family and mine that it makes it easy for me to do the same. You have always balanced work and family beautifully. I have never seen you struggle to choose between the two or sacrifice one for the other. For you, work is work, and family time is family time—each honoured fully and intentionally. Your upbringing in Tema and the nurturing you received during your seven years at Aburi Girls laid strong foundations for the woman you are today. Those foundations have sustained us for nearly 40 years since we first met and 36 years since we tied the knot. Because of them, we have consistently seen eye to eye on almost everything—religion, politics, people’s behaviour and attitudes, relationships, raising children, and even howwe handle our own emotions. Your legacy is already firmly established. Your contributions to your profession—through institutional development, organisational growth, and the many individuals you have recruited, mentored, and coached—will endure for many years. Your impact has been recognised through numerous appointments and awards, and rightly so. Beyond all of that, you are a family unifier. You warm every space you enter with your energy, your presence, and your generosity of spirit. I am certain that you would like to be remembered in these ways. At least I will. With all my love, Always. Ramen 8 The Birthday Journal
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