“Iron boy, y3si meti!” This is the slogan we used to call out whenever the siblings of our late father, Mr. Stephen Opuni, met. Happy birthday to an amazing sister! Your love and fun make life brighter for everyone around you. As you celebrate this remarkable milestone, I pray for continued strength, peace, and joy in your life. Cheers to another year full of happiness and adventure. Stephen Opuni (Kofi Du) DownMemory LanewithMy Favourite Sister - AuntyMonica, a.k.a. Yaa Frimpomaa (Yaa Yaa) The Latin scholar will say, “TEMPUS FUGIT,” to wit, “time flies.” Monica came to meet me exactly 80 years ago at Fante NewTown in Kumasi. She is the 10th child of my father’s late first wife. My late mother was the second wife. Monica was popularly known then by the nickname “Yoo Yoo,” coined by a co-tenant, Mr. Nkyidwo. Today, I am the only one who calls her by that nickname, and she responds, “Yoo.” She has touched my life in many ways. As young as she was, she was my confidant, and when things went bad, she would say, “enyɛ hwee.” She was a bubbly young lady with a lot of time on her hands because, as the youngest, she hardly did house chores like pounding fufu. Her older siblings, especially Aunty Ama, did all the hard work. It is therefore surprising that now she has become such a responsible, hardworking mother, raising four (4) responsible offspring. God works in mysterious ways. We have always understood each other, and there has never been a misunderstanding or hard feelings between us. Yaa Yaa could be described as compassionate, an impulsive counsellor even to people older than her, and ever ready to offer assistance and support. I will always thank her for her companionship, her openness, her respect for me as an older brother, and her encouraging words in times of despair. I am very grateful to her. Yoo Yoo, my prayer is that you will continue to be the good and supportive mother that you have always been to your children. Continue to depend fully on your Creator for the many blessings He has showered on you, your children, and your grandchildren. On this 80th birthday, my wife, Aunty Julie, and your four nephews are proud of you, and we pray that God will add many more years, full of good health. Have a glorious BIRTHDAY, and GODRICHLY BLESS YOU. Dr. E. K. Opuni and Family The Birthday Journal 9
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