I have no exact recollection of when I first met Auntie Monica, but it must have been just days or weeks after I was born! AuntieMonica, orMummy as I call her, is probably the strictest yet the most fun of our aunties growing up. If you did anything silly, you knew it immediately! And she didn’t need permission from anyone’s parents to discipline us. While she may not have a particular catchphrase, her famous look of disapproval was unforgettable — you knew instantly not to go down the wrong path! AuntieMonica has touched my life in countless ways — not through a single moment, but through daily example. She taught us to be resourceful, disciplined, to stay out of trouble, and most importantly, to pursue our goals with determination. I cherish all these memories, especially the moments when her smile followed a gentle admonishment — they still make me smile today. Thankfully, I have never had any misunderstanding or disagreement with AuntieMonica. I shudder to even think about it! In three words, she is thoughtful, kind, and disciplined. I am deeply thankful for her positive influence on us as children. She never missed a chance to encourage us to study hard, aim high, and reminded us that the true fun and satisfaction in life come later. Mummy, thank you for your love and attention during our formative years and even now as adults. God bless you. Harold Yooku Ayetey I first met AuntieMonica in person through my aunt, the lateMrs. Justina Osei Bonsu, although I already knewAkua fromHoly Child. Over the years, AuntieMonica has become affectionately A’nMonica to me. AuntieMonica is loving, caring, and authentic. She speaks the truth with frankness, and that honesty has always inspired me — no frills, just the way it is. Her home in Kumasi became a second home for me and my cousinNana Ama when we first went to Tech. I’ll always remember the home-cooked meals, how she made sure we were wellfed, and even packed us food to take along. Whenever I was broke or in need, I knew I could always count on her — it was a place where I felt truly cared for. There were a couple of times when I fell very sick at school. After the usual hospital visits, AuntieMonica took care of me as if I were her own child until I was strong enough to return. From her, I learned the importance of being welcoming and treating every child like your own — truly, it takes a village to raise a child, and AuntieMonica exemplifies that. We have shared so many funny moments, like when Akua and I would stay up late, and she would wake us up shouting, “Herrr, Akua, Sylvia, mu nsori na ade akyie!” — reminding us that even in our tired, sleepy states, responsibilities still mattered. She always balanced love with discipline. AuntieMonica is one-of-a-kind, and you don’t stop loving someone just because they correct you. Even when she once “blasted” me for not checking in after many years, she immediately returned to her usual warmth, asking me to serve some guests. That’s AuntieMonica: authentic, caring, and full of life. I thank her especially for taking care of me during my Tech days and for being like a mother to so many young women. AuntieMonica, as you celebrate your 80th, I pray for long life, good health, and that God fills your heart with love and joy so you can continue to bless this world. Wishing you a truly glorious and happy birthday! Sylvia Otuo-Acheampong The Birthday Journal 113
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