I first met MamaMonica back at Akroso Road, KNUST campus, when I was a young shoe-shine boy polishing the shoes of her children. From those humble beginnings, she took me in as a son. Together with her late husband, Mr. A.Y.A. Asante, they even expressed their desire to adopt and support me through school. She became a mother figure to me, always offering wise advice about education and life. When I call every now and then, she would say, in her calm and gentle tone, “Eei Mark, enti wo hwɛ me kakra na ayɛ dɛn?” One moment that truly touched my heart was when she and her husband visited my parents to discuss taking responsibility for my education. Though illness and the passing of her husband prevented that dream from being realised, she still did what she possibly could. Her kindness and genuine concern for me left a lasting mark on my life. Later, when my wife and I struggled to have children, she directed us to a medical facility that eventually brought us great joy — a gesture that helped us greatly. MamaMonica has always been there to lend a helping hand to anyone who crosses her path. She is altruistic, magnanimous, and compassionate in every sense. If I could thank her for just one thing, it would be for encouraging me to take my studies seriously — advice that changed the course of my life. MamaMonica, another adventure-filled year awaits you. Welcome it by celebrating your birthday with pomp and splendour. Wishing you a very happy and fun-filled birthday! Sir Mark I met Auntie Yaa Yaa through my dearest friend Sister (Akua) and my parents over forty years ago. She inspired me and my family by always being my dearest aunt next door — so kind and welcoming anytime I visited their house on Akroso Road to visit my sister, my friend Akua Asante. She literally took us as daughters, and Akua and I were raised together as we grew up. Our parents used to twin us in the same clothes when we were young. The lesson I learnt from her kindness was that you can always have a dear sister from another mother. One unforgettable and fun moment was during Akua’s Dipo rites celebration. We partied so hard, and Auntie made sure we had so much fun— it was truly memorable. Auntie Yaa Yaa is God-fearing, loving, and warm-hearted, and it is no wonder there has never been a moment of misunderstanding with her. Thank you, Auntie, for being a second mother to me and for your solid advice, which has nurtured me to this day. My dearest Auntie Yaa Yaa, happy, happy eightieth birthday! What a milestone. We thank the Lord that your life has been so good to you over the years. Continue to age gracefully — you are loved dearly. Stay blessed. Naana Acheampong 88 The Birthday Journal
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