pride shining in your eyes even during difficult times — except in 1990, when Daddy passed, yet even then, you made sure Chief was there to cheer me on. 31. Thank you for your moral guidance, which has taught me dignity and instilled discipline, responsibility, and strong ethical values in me — lessons that have guided and shaped my life thus far. 32. Thank you for every quiet prayer you whisper each day for my life and success — the ones spoken when no one is watching, offered long before I even know I’ll need them. Those prayers carry me through challenges I may never fully see or understand. I know I walk into victories I didn’t fight for and survive storms I never saw coming because your faith and intercession stood in the gap for me. Your prayers go before me, covering my steps and holding me up in ways you may never fully see or ever truly know. And for that, I am endlessly grateful. 33. Thank you for teaching me that beauty shines brightest from within. 34. Thank you for enrolling me in vocational programs after my Form Five O-Levels — hairstyling to dressmaking — and teaching me the importance of practical skills, adaptability, and never limiting myself to one path in life. I must admit, I didn’t last long in hair-styling school — two days and I gracefully bowed out (please accept my apologies ). Looking back now, I smile…and I also realize how useful it would have been. I could have helped Abi more, and who knows, —maybe even run a little side salon someday! But dressmaking school — now that was an adventure and a time well spent. I learned, I observed, and in my own way, I grew. Today I can confidently “semi-fire” any tailor or designer who tries me or take me for granted — respectfully, of course. Thank you for giving me room to try, to discover, and even to quit — and for teaching me that every skill and every experience adds a brick to the foundation of who we become. And don’t worry — if life ever demands it, I can always revive my two-day hair career and open “Salon Come-and-Try-Me.” ✂✨ ️ 35. Thank you for making those long trips to visit me at Holy Child School, while juggling care for Daddy during his illness. I never expected such devotion — yet you came, again and again. Each visit was a light in my young heart, a reminder that love - your kind of love - shows up, even tired and stretched thin. I am forever grateful for every sacrifice you made to hold us both with grace and love. 36. Thank you for showing what true devotion and selflessness look like — not just in faith, but in family. You sacrificed your career and much of your own life to care for Daddy, our family and our home. 37. Thank you for holding down the fort after Daddy’s passing with relentless commitment and zeal, always keeping us, our well-being as your highest priority. You carried the weight of our world with strength, courage, and grace. I know he’s looking down on you with deep pride and gratitude— smiling and cheering you on, especially on this special day. 38. Thank you for the countless sacrifices you made to give me a life filled with care, happiness, and a sense of normalcy after Daddy passed. You gave so much of yourself — parting with treasured keepsakes and belongings, enduring long and quiet days, and lightly carrying heavy burdens with quiet grace, all to make sure my world felt full and safe. When I once asked why you parted with your cherished possessions, you simply smiled and said, “What is a man with all the belongings if there is no peace and happiness at home?” That simple truth taught me the meaning of love and contentment - that love is measured not in comfort, but in the quiet sacrifices made for those we hold dear. I am endlessly grateful, and your example of resilience, devotion, and unwavering care will forever guide me, light my path, and live in my heart. 39. Thank you for staying calm amidst the storms, both literally and figuratively. I remember when we moved from Tech Campus to Nyhiaso after the mandate, the house was still incomplete with no windows. One night during the first week, it rained, and while I scrambled to hold up some sheets to keep the water out, upset and overwhelmed, you simply reminded me to be grateful for the little mercies, because it could have been worse. That moment became a powerful lesson in gratitude and perspective. 40. Thank you, Maa, for showing me the true depth of your bravery and love for me. The moment I knew, deep in my heart and without a single doubt, that you would give your life for mine was the day I first drove with you after completing driving school. While driving through the busy 190 The Birthday Journal
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