HappyBirthday, Social ButterflyMonica! Some friendships enter your life softly, but stay with a strength that lasts a lifetime. Mine with Yaa is one of those blessings.I thank God that He did not deny me the opportunity to know and have a friend like Yaa in my life. I met Yaa — as I fondly call her, and she calls me Akosua — when we were very young at St Monica’s SecondaryMiddle School in Kumasi. Our friendship began in boarding school and continued through Yaa Asante Secondary School. We both lived in Kumasi and travelled to school together in the old “bone shaker” buses. I still remember us singing gospel songs loudly whenever we climbed the steepMampong Scarp — such precious memories. Yaa has always been a strong and courageous woman. When my husband fell sick and passed, she took charge of almost everything — the obituary, posters, and arrangements — even though she was a widow herself. I used to call her “Yaa, Obaa Denden” because she never procrastinates and believes in doing things immediately. She raised her children with discipline and always chose what was best for them. Her heart for orphans, disabled children, and the underprivileged is extraordinary. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, she has supported a Catholic orphanage in Kumasi for many years. For her 70th birthday, all she wanted was to celebrate with the children there — her “own children,” as she lovingly calls them. Though she was my mate in school, she always formed deep friendships with older people and cared for themwith love and compassion. Even today, she continues to visit and support the elderly, some over 90 years old. Yaa is also eversupportive of widows, offering comfort and guidance during difficult times. When my husband passed, she was outside Ghana, yet she made sure her children represented her and supported me until she returned. After her husband, Wofa Yaw, passed in 1990, she devoted herself fully to raising her children while still supporting others whenever she could. Her children appreciate her deeply because she has been their rock. She also became a confidant to my mother, and before my mother died, she trusted Yaa with her wishes. That is the kind of friend she has always been. We have never had any serious conflict. Even when we disagree, she is loving, firm, and always wants the best for me and for all her friends. She is a free-spirited, genuine soul — generous without being asked, seeing the needs of others, and giving without expecting anything in return. Yaa, my life is richer because of you. May the Lord continue to bless you, protect you, and surround you withHis divine grace. May He grant you strength, good health, and long life. I am so privileged to know you and to have you in my life. Happy 80th birthday, my love! Martha Akosua Poku 18 The Birthday Journal
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