I first met AuntieMonica in 1994 at my mother-in-law’s house, when AuntieMonica and her late senior sister, Mrs. Mensa-Bonsu, came to visit my ailing mother-in-law, who had had a stroke for a while. I heard a knock at my husband’s door, and in our yard I was drying my fifth child’s clothing. And here was AuntieMonica and her sister. She just said, “You are going to be my sweetheart,” just that — and it has been so since. All these years, she has become a pivotal person in my life and still remains my sweetheart, because virtually I’ve seen her always at any occasion that happens in the family across board. AuntieMonica is a cousin of my mother-in-law, the late MadamLydia Akuffo, aka Aunt Adjoa Adjan— the best mother-in-law in the world to me, because she took me in as her own. Ever since, we have remained the sweetest of sweethearts, and she is never missed in any family gathering. Fortunately for me, AuntieMonica also happens to be a very good friend to my uncle’s wife, the lateMrs. Molly Yeboah, and her sister, the famous Awura Abena. My father, Mr. Paul Agyemang Yeboah, who happens to come after the lateMr. Francis Acheampong Yeboah, popularly known as FAY, was also a friend to Auntie Monica’s late husband, Mr. Asante, then a lecturer at UST, nowKNUST. So I am the luckiest sweetheart of Auntie Monica. I am the wife of Nii Lanquaye Corbbygold but prefer to use my father’s name Agyemang and my family name Yeboah, because my late grandfather, Nana Kwabena Yeboah, was Atenehene of the late Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh. That’s why I prefer to use my family name —no ill feelings for my husband, because he understands. AuntieMonica is so special to me — phenomenally adorable. I call her simply “Sweetheart.” She is caring, loving, and understandingly patient. My favourite memory of her is the way she says “Sweetheart.” She has touched my life in many We first met AuntieMonica through her husband. Over the years, we’ve come to know her as a kind, patient, and very friendly person. She has always carried herself with grace and warmth, making everyone around her feel comfortable and respected. As she celebrates her 80th birthday, we wish her blessings of good health and happiness. May all her dreams come true, and may God continue to keep her inHis care. Mr. & Mrs. Wiafe ways — loving, caring, patient — and her smile is infectious. There are so many funny or light-hearted moments that I can’t even pick or choose. There has been no misunderstanding that I can recall. We’re like two sides of the same coin. Though I never had time to visit, she loves me the way I am. The three words that best describe her are sweet, adorable, and splendid. If I could thank her for one thing, it would be for being such a sweetest of sweethearts. Hmmmm, Sweetheart, you’ve seen it all and are blessed beyond measure. Happy birthday — or happy anniversary. I wish you good wealth of health and happiness. But being you —no faking — gently forthright, smiling, and shining always. Felicia Agyemang Yeboah The Birthday Journal 49
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