DownMemory Lane I met AuntyMonica when I got married and moved to Ridge Road in 1973. At the time, we had a very vibrant Ladies’ Club, made up of wives of lecturers and some working ladies on campus, as well as a few from outside the university community. The Ladies’ Club had established two children’s libraries — one at the Community Centre and another behind the tennis court on Okodie Road. AuntyMonica, being such an active and dedicated member, was in charge of one of them, though I can’t quite recall which. All the wives were such good friends —we truly lived as one big family and were each other’s keeper, as the saying goes. AuntyMonica and I lived close to each other, so our children grew up together as brothers and sisters. Ebow and Chief attended nursery school together, and the children would visit each other freely at any time. I still remember one such visit vividly —Sister was about four years old then. She came with Chief to visit me, and I offered them some pastries, but without her usual cheese. She was so disappointed that, on their way back home, she complained to Chief, “AuntyMercy didn’t give me cheese.” I also remember when Sister grew older andWofa Yaw (Mr. Asante) wanted to buy her a sewing machine. Though AuntyMonica could have easily done this herself, Wofa Yaw insisted that I accompany her to help choose a good one since I was a dressmaker. We had such a good laugh about it afterward! We always called each other Aunty — there was a running joke among us, shared with Aunty Grace (of blessed memory) and Aunty Berta (of blessed memory). We used to say that your dressing determined how you would be addressed —with some outfits you’d be called Sister, with others Aunty orMadam! We decided we preferred to be called Aunty. There are so many beautiful memories I could share. Through it all, AuntyMonica has been a wonderful friend, a dear sister, and a loving mother to my son Ebow— even to this day. On this special occasion of your 80th birthday, I wish you God’s abundant blessings —many more years of good health, peace, laughter, and a heart full of songs of praise. Stay blessed, dear AuntyMonica. With love always, Aunty Mercy 42 The Birthday Journal
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