We can only see far because we stand on the shoulders of giants. My sister has been a giant throughout my life—my shield, my protector, my defender, my cheerleader. Ever since I was born, I have had a big sister who has been willing to sacrifice everything to make sure her small brother is okay, no matter the cost to herself. She selflessly sacrificed so I can have all the space and opportunities to become the best I can be—not because of anything for herself, but because she believed her small brother was the best. It is that belief that made me start to believe in myself and driven me to how far I have reached and keep reaching. There are two stories I will use to illustrate. The first is when I went to Achimota School for my senior secondary. I was assigned to Livingstone House. My sister went into a boys’ boarding house, looked for a bed for me, laid it, put my chop and trunk under it, and found a school father for me. More funny was she used to come for my dirty clothes to wash from home while I was washing seniors’ clothes. She did the same for my university at KNUST in Kumasi. The second story I will mention is after my university and when I had just found my first job and was trying to find my feet. I would go almost every weekend to my newly married sister’s house from Saturday night, and every time I was going back home, my food package and a fresh bundle of notes were placed in my hands to support me through the week, even though she barely had anything herself. My sister created the space for me to reach my potential despite the many misadventures I have had. She shielded me and believed in me till I could start walking and running along my path to success. All this despite her own challenges, her own struggles, her own hardships. She always gave of her best to me and all those dear to me—not because she had to, but because she willingly, selflessly wanted to, without expecting anything back but my success and happiness. On this, her Golden Jubilee, I wish to thank God for her life—for giving me and all of us such a selfless, caring, strong, hardworking woman of courage, strength, virtue, fortitude, resilience, compassion, love, and greatness. We celebrate you, Nyonu, and we can never thank you enough for all you have done for us. Enjoy your day, Nyonu CHARLES 33 The Birthday Journal
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAyMTM3NQ==