I had heard about a beautiful girl at Fanti NewTown (INTER) before leaving for Germany in the early 60s, by the nameMonica. However, I finally met her when I became a lecturer at SMS, living on the KNUST campus in 1980. She wasMrs Asante, married to YawAsante, a very close friend of my extended family. Monica, popularly nicknamed “Yaa-Yaa,” became like a sister, and her husband like my uncle. We became family and friends. Yaa-Yaa is loving, cheerful, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Unfortunately, Mr Asante fell ill and was indisposed for a long time. During this period, she demonstrated kindness, compassion, strength, and prayerfulness. Who wouldn’t want someone so dear around? But life doesn’t always go according to plan, does it? We lived just a few blocks away from each other on campus, and our friendship was natural. I remember discussing with you whether one of my boys could be betrothed to your daughter, Akua. We all laughed over it, for they had grown up as brother(s) and sister. They say misfortune comes on horseback and leaves on foot. And although your husband’s brother, the late Major K. Asante, who was going to help you relocate to your new house, passed away, you remained resilient and accomplished everything on your own. I always watched you and my dear wife Elizabeth arguing over whose car to take to the market, and in most cases, you won. Recently, when I fell sick, you were there every day to assist Liz, and I appreciate that very much. I could go on and on. But Yaa-Yaa, allowme to reveal a fewmore of your secrets. Your wisdom, authenticity, and helpfulness are truly inspiring. We are so grateful. Professor Dr (Med) Benjamin BaffoeBonnie I met Monica when we returned fromGermany in 1980. I soon learned that everyone called her Yaa-Yaa, a name I instantly loved, because I, too, was called Yaa. From the very beginning, she was friendly, kind, and endlessly helpful. If she hadn’t seen us for a week or two, she would show up at our house just to check in. Our children attended the same school, so our lives intertwined naturally, and our friendship grew effortlessly. One day, we went shopping together, looking for a pair of shoes for my last born, Yaw. But Yaw, in his usual way, wasn’t interested in any of the shoes we picked. After a while, we couldn’t find him anywhere in the shop. We searched up and down —nothing. Finally, when we stepped outside, there he was, waiting for us with the calmest face. Monica burst out laughing and said, “Look at him, look at that head of his! It’s like something I can’t even describe!” We both laughed so hard that day, while Yaw stood there silently, pretending to be unbothered. That memory still makes me smile. She always called me Yaa. Whenever we went to town, I used to drive her, and we’d always sit together in the front seat, chatting and laughing. But once she started driving herself, I never got that seat again. We joked about it constantly, and I always pretended to complain, but truthfully, I loved those little arguments. Monica was the kind of person who was always there when you needed her — steady, wise, and generous with her advice. I wish her a glorious, happy birthday. May the good Lord bless her with many more healthy years and allow her to see her great-great-grandchildren. With lots of love, Mrs Elizabeth Baffoe-Bonnie 52 The Birthday Journal
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