Uncle Michael, One of the things we love most about you is how hard you work, how you are such a good husband to our sister Cynthia, and an amazing dad to our cousins Nubby and Nunana. We also love how you always remember Elinam on your trips and never fail to bring her presents. One of our fondest memories is how our daughter, Elinam, overcame her fear of you. For some reason, between the ages of one and two, she was always a little scared of you—but at the same time clearly fascinated and always watching you curiously. Then one day, during our mum’s 70th birthday brunch, when we saw you again after you had been stuck in the USA for months during the COVID-19 lockdown, something changed. Elinamwalked straight up to you without any fear, and from that day, you’ve been best buddies. We think she had realised she hadn’t seen you in a while and had actually missed you. You should see the video recordings they have together—hahahaha. Thank you for being a great example of dedication and hard work to us all, and for always opening your home to the extended family. Wishing you an amazing Golden 50 Years. May you continue to excel in all aspects of your life. May you grow in good health, wealth, and everything your heart desires. Cheers to an amazing 50 YEARS! Kofi , Sheila & Elinam Akyea Amiko, Miko Miko, One of the things I have always loved about you is your broad knowledge across so many subjects and your eagerness to share it. As mates at the University of Cape Coast, we would chat for hours—music, politics, history, current affairs—always learning, always enriching our perspectives. You carried yourself with a cool, calm demeanour: affable, charitable, with just a dab of “yo yo.” I still remember how you were in denial about needing glasses, squinting most of the time. You were someone I could confide in, and I always walked away with sound advice and clarity on the way forward. Choosing you as godfather to my son, Melike, was a no-brainer for Frimps and me. Thank you for being a friend and brother whose advice and counsel I deeply appreciate. I am truly blessed to know you. As you enter your Jubilee year, I pray for God’s continued blessings on your life—good health, long life, joy, and continued success in all your endeavours. Happy birthday, bro. Frimps, Melike, Selim, Mekaeli, and I wish you the very best in the many years ahead. Sena Agah Amiko, I love your calm and warm personality. Thank you for being my son’s godfather. I wish you God’s protection and good health. Doreen Michael, One thing I truly love about you is your poise. You always seem to have everything under control in the way you carry yourself, and I am yet to see you without a smile. One great memory that stays with me is from the fun fair at St. Augustine’s College. Time: 6:00pm. The Holy Child School bus had delayed in picking us up after the programme ended, and it became bonding time for the brave and the not-so-fainthearted. Along came this Form 4 boy—confident yet calm—whom I wasn’t even sure I had ever seen before. You spoke as if you already knewme, and you even had a letter for me. We talked until the bus arrived, like some old paddies. That was about thirty-five years ago, and I still call you my friend. I won’t share the contents of the letter, but suffice to say it was a good read. Even how you put it together said a lot about you— very calculated in every step. Thank you for reaching out the first time and for remaining the same ever since. You’ve been consistent, and I truly appreciate you for that. Michael, thank God for you. Fifty surely looks good on you. May you keep looking great, may your joy be full, and here’s to great health and happiness. Please believe me when I am sent to you—it just may lead to your dreammoment. Twummwaa Laing The Birthday Journal 43
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