My Dear Ohene Nana, You have taught me so much more than I could ever imagine. Your patience is unlike any I’ve ever experienced. I look at you each and every day, and I ask myself how! How could I have gotten so lucky? What did I do to deserve such a spiritual, loving, generous, patient, funny, honest, and amazing man? I guess somewhere down the road, I must have done something right. Our story began when you met my mother in July 2000 in Ghana. Mothers have a way of seeing something special and saying SOMETHING! Little did we know that this would set the stage for something truly wonderful. The real magic happened in February 2001 when I was visiting a dear sister of mine, who happens to be married to your brother. At the time, you were a young soldier in the army, and I had my own preconceived notions about men in uniforms. But, to my pleasant surprise, I quickly realized how wrong I was. You were funny, confident, and undeniably handsome. I was utterly smitten. You were stationed at Princeton University in New Jersey, which marked the beginning of our weekly journeys on the turnpike. We grew fond of each other, but I had a secret weapon up my sleeve. As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, I activated my Fante culinary skills, and most weekends, I cooked up a storm. With a car filled with an assortment of delicious food, I’d hit the turnpike, and those journeys were filled with long conversations, laughter, and the deepening of our connection. When my roommate asked me to describe you, I compared you to our favorite dish at the Chinese restaurant: juicy, crispy, sweet, sour, and spicy! We’d stay up talking into the wee hours of the morning, even though I had graduate school commitments. Despite the challenges, I knew I had made the right choice. We all know cooking is not your strong suit. As a young adult, you often resorted to convenient options like packaged chicken voila, with a different flavor each day. During my pregnancy with our oldest, I had a strong craving for sautéed cabbage. You gallantly offered to prepare it for me, and I trusted you in the kitchen while I rested on the couch. When you proudly served your dish, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Honey,” I said, “thank you for trying, but you’ve made sautéed iceberg lettuce!” It showcased your willingness to embrace new challenges, even in cooking. My Confidant, you have such a big heart for our family. When we first met, I observed your relationship with your mother, and I knew you were a keeper. Despite your busy life as a military man and a father, you carefully planned your every move. Even when you were out of the country, regardless of the time zone difference, you would call and speak to all of us before our days began and ended. I could hear the weariness in your voice at times, but you never 35 The Birthday Journal
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAyMTM3NQ==