streets of central Kumasi, I slightly tapped a taxi, or perhaps it tapped us; I honestly can’t remember exactly what happened. What I do remember vividly is the chaos that followed, people rushing toward us, shouting. Before I could even react, you turned to me and said firmly, “Don’t get out of the car. I’ve got this.” Then, without a moment’s hesitation, you stepped out, standing between me and the crowd, shielding me with nothing but your courage and fierce protectiveness. That day, I understood the fearless heart of my mother and the boundless love that has always kept me safe. 41. Thank you, Maa, for guiding me through my first relationship with patience, wisdom, and love. You single-handedly navigated the delicate balance of teaching me virtues — respect, self-worth, and adherence to values — while also encouraging me to focus on my studies and excel academically. I now see how carefully you towed that fine line, giving me guidance without ever overstepping and allowing me the space to grow and make my own choices. I regret that we didn’t have more of those deep mother-daughter talks, the ones where I could have shared my thoughts and fears more openly. Yet, looking back, I am so grateful for your patience, for tolerating what I sometimes called my “scandalous” moments, for your 5 a.m. knocks on my door to join you in prayers followed by a ton of advice, and for teaching me that there’s no heartburn in life’s normal curiosities, that mistakes and learning are part of growing (even when you were terribly mad at me at one point). Through it all, you showed me that self-respect, values, and love can coexist with openness and understanding. Your guidance shaped the person I have become, and I am endlessly thankful for the gentle discipline, wisdom, and love you poured into me. 42. Thank you for believing that I could achieve anything through hard work and faith. 43. Thank you for the care packages and food deliveries you sent every weekend — and sometimes even on Tuesdays when you attended church choir practice — during my years away at KNUST. I still remember the joy of seeing you arrive in your little car, the small basket in your hand, filled with food made with love in that yellowish-brown cookware (which, amazingly, is still in your kitchen over 30 years later!). Those gestures of care meant the world to me and are memories I will always treasure. 44. Thank you for reminding me to stay humble and grateful even as I grew independent. 45. Thank you for being my moral compass, guiding me through every decision with wisdom, love, and integrity. 46. Thank you for welcoming my friends as your own, embracing them with the same warmth, kindness, and generosity that make you so special. 47. Thank you for celebrating every victory, no matter how small, and for cheering me on with such sincere joy and pride that even the tiniest achievement felt monumental. So many times I would brush things off with, ‘Oh, but this is nothing…’ and you would gently counter with, ‘Ei, no, you have still done well; we thank God.’ Those words wrapped my heart in reassurance every single time. You are my first and forever cheerleader. 48. Thank you for helping me see that setbacks are not failures, but stepping stones, guiding me toward growth, strength, and greater purpose. 49. Thank you for your wise counsel when love came into my life. 50. Thank you for teaching me that marriage is a journey, not a destination — a sacred lifelong walk of patience, understanding, and forgiveness, guided by unwavering love and strength through unity, true friendship, and collaboration. You showed me that love endures not in the grand gestures, but in the quiet, everyday choices: to listen, to care, to sacrifice, and to stand hand in hand through every season of life. 51. Thank you for so graciously sharing your own birthday —December 21st, 2002 — so I could have my traditional marriage on that same day. It was such a special and selfless gift, one that made the day even more meaningful. You turned what The Birthday Journal 191
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAyMTM3NQ==