Then Nana chimes in, ever nurturing and full of sass. Nii Anku, affectionately known to me as Anku Bɛdɛɛ, is the sixth child of our parents, fourth in line after me. From the very beginning, I have naturally played a motherly role in his life. Our bond has always been special. I vividly remember visiting him during his boarding school days at St. Martin’s Secondary School in Adoagyiri, Nsawam. At the time, I had moved to Accra from Kumasi, and I made it a point to check on him regularly. My visits were never complete without plenty of food in tow, which, as you can imagine, thrilled not just Anku but his friends too. This tradition continued even when he later moved to Aggrey Memorial Secondary School in Cape Coast. From such humble beginnings, look at how far the Lord has brought us. Thank you, Jesus. The closeness among the eight of us siblings often leaves people amazed. Many wonder how such a large family can share such a deep bond. But I can say without hesitation that it is the result of the love, values, and foundation laid by our late, beloved parents. It is truly their doing. As a child, my brother was the quiet type, calm and observant. But with time, he blossomed into an outspoken and vibrant personality. He can be incredibly annoying, often playing pranks on all of us. If you’re not sharp, you might just fall for one of his clever antics. One of our recurring “rituals” is me calling him multiple times. He often delays picking up, convinced I’m calling to ask for money. And when he finally answers or calls me back, I playfully tease, “You think I need money, right?” Then I drop my favourite quote: “Money is just paper, designed by the government mainly for spending, okay?” And without missing a beat, he responds with his classic, “Gerrout,” and we both burst into laughter. But in his sweetness, he’ll always follow through. He sends me money regardless. Whether it’s for a hospital visit, a monthly allowance, or anything else I ask for, he never hesitates. That’s the kind of heart he has — generous, caring, and deeply kind. He’s more than a brother. He’s a father figure to us all. He’s loving, wise, and always ready with sound advice. He has a way of making people feel seen, valued, and uplifted. I count myself especially blessed to be your sister, your only Nana. Thank you, Anku, for always being there for me. You are truly the best brother anyone could ever wish for. As you celebrate your 60th birthday, my prayer is that your days be filled with laughter, joy, and everything your heart desires. Father God, thank you for blessing Nii Anku with long life and good health. Perfect all that concerns him, his family, and his future. Happy 60th, my dear brother. I love you always. Mrs. Victoria Akaba (Nana) The Birthday Journal 19 E L L I S AT 6 0
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