I joined the choir in 1987 and met Mrs. Monica Asante, who was already a member. We weren’t all that close initially since I was new and she was a bit older. One mysterious thing about the choir is that we all behave as if we are from the same family, so after a year or so, we all blended. I was a teacher by profession, and I was at the AdumPresby office in Kumasi, where teachers under the unit are employed. Every Friday after work, I would go shopping at AsafoMarket. It was on one of those visits that I met her, gave her a lift home, and the friendship began. We became very close, and later she encouraged me to join the committee. When the church decided to build a bigger facility, we needed money. She had some shoes to donate—I still don’t knowwhere she got those used shoes from. She asked the then Father if she could bring them to the chaplaincy to sell and give the proceeds to the church. We all joined in the sales. After a tiring day, we were hungry, so since my house was close by, I went home and sent her andMrs. Elaine Owusu chicken soup and Fanti kenkey. She is so CARING—she used just a scoop each of the soup and sent the rest home to serve a visitor. So CARING—sometimes you would see her being followed by children with Down syndrome; she just takes care of them and leaves money for their upkeep when she travels. My husband is very sick, at the end stage of kidney failure. She is so CARING that she asks often how she can assist me. She has supported the church in countless ways and even helped with a donation from an unknown person. She is always looking for someone to help. She has a heart of gold. I want to wish her a very big, happy, happy birthday. May she continue to enjoy Yahweh’s blessings beyond measure. We love her so much. Mrs. Margaret Osei Tutu My first encounter with AuntyMonica — or Asew, as I fondly call her —was at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Chaplaincy, KNUST, Kumasi. Her kindness, love, and openness to everyone who crosses her path have always inspired me. She has such a free and welcoming spirit that makes you feel instantly at home. I’ll never forget her favourite phrase: “Ei ma se. Nso wohu me a wo nkyia me yie. Wo kyia me biara biara biaaa. Ɛsɛ sɛ anka woko to koto me.” meaning, “My in-law, but when you see me, you don’t greet properly. You should be kneeling to greet me.” It still makes me smile every time I think of it! There’s never a dull moment with her. Her sweetness and warmth are unforgettable, and I’ve learned to emulate that same joyful spirit in my own life. I also can’t help but smile remembering her beautiful singing voice in Our Lady’s Choir — she would proudly say, “Call me NanaHemaaNo. 1!” AuntyMonica, as you celebrate your 80th birthday, the Ampadu family wishes you God’s abundant mercies, divine favour, and blessings of long life with good health. Thank you for your warmth, kindness, and accepting nature — you are truly exceptional. Cecilia Dorcas Ampadu 144 The Birthday Journal
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