I have known AuntieMonica for a very long time. She’s actually my “daughter,” and I call her Kaakyire. We used to live together on campus until she moved out to Nyhiaso. She actually calls meMaame. She is also a real Kaakyire, being the last born of her biological mother. We’ve been friends (played together) for a long time. She was a teacher at University Nursery School here in Kumasi. AuntieMonica is a playful person, always very happy and in a jovial mood. She’s not a jealous person, and because of that, I love her sincerely. She never gets angry, nor holds grudges. I don’t think I have ever seen her fight or argue with anyone before. She is simply a pleasant person, laughs often, and tells a lot of jokes upon seeing you. She is a happy woman and brings happiness to many. I recall a time on campus when she started driving. She came over to my house and asked me to accompany her to town. As we got to the hill at Afful Nkwanta…………, she exclaimed, “Maame, I have been able to make it up this hill,” to which I replied, “Kaakyire, so you basically used me for practice.” She was excited about her first accomplishment, which made us laugh. AuntieMonica gladly watched over my kids when she was teaching at their nursery school. We would talk about almost everything—from religion to marriage—to the extent that one day, while we were going for a stroll, a gentleman behind us mentioned that he had been following us and found our conversation very interesting. Of course, being who AuntieMonica is, she engaged him in our conversation for the rest of our walk. She is very cordial with people and has so much unconditional love for others. Happiness is a key attribute of hers, and she exemplifies the joy described in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” In times of sadness, Auntie will always advise and encourage you to look at the bright side of things, as she does not like to see people sad or miserable. I am so grateful to her in so many ways. When my husband passed in 2012, she could not be around for the funeral as she was travelling to the US. But she sent me many items and ensured that the funeral plans were ongoing before she left. As you join me in celebrating AuntieMonica on your 80th birthday, I see in her the qualities of Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, Omortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Mercy Barnes 46 The Birthday Journal
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