I first met AuntieMonica with my late classmate and roommate while walking on campus in our first year of Medical School, 40 years ago. She asked us who we were and invited us home. For all six years we spent on campus, and even to this day, we have become family and have always been assured of a warmwelcome anytime we show up at her home. She is very supportive and open-hearted. You can be sure she will show up and be there for you anytime, in whatever situation. Her quiet motherly wisdom and experience are always invaluable. AuntieMonica is truly a TREASURE!! She is loving, open-hearted, and generous. If I could thank her for just one thing, it would be for being supportive and for being YOU all these 40 years. One of my favourite memories is when she said, “Evelyn, mo mbra fie mbe di fufuo. Me huumo akyε.” Auntie Monica touched my life profoundly when my husband lost his mother. Being Ashanti, there were various customs I needed to observe as a daughter-in-law, and I had lost my mother a few years earlier. AuntieMonica was there for me as my mother. Just remembering her warm, smiling face brings a smile to mine. There has never been a moment of misunderstanding between us; we have always shared a warm relationship. Happy Birthday, AuntieMonica! May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly. May He satisfy you with good health and long life. As you have been a blessing to the children of others, may your children and your children’s children also receive favour and kindness and be blessed because of you. Amen. Professor Evelyn Korkor Ansah I met Maa in 1989 at UST campus when I was a student pursuing a degree in Land Economy. I call herMaa. MaaMonica is a woman of substance. She has played, and continues to play, a significant role in my life and that of my children. Maa has been a great mentor and a hero to me. Her motherly advice and never-ending commitment to share the gospel with me have shaped my entire life and career. I can say with joy that I am rooted in theWord of God because of Maa. One of her memorable sayings is: “Pray to God. Trust the Lord and put your children first.” There are countless moments whereMaa has touched my life. She provided a shoulder for me to lean on when everything in me was falling apart. I have learned to trust in the Lord, pray more, and talk less. A light-hearted memory that still makes me smile is when Maa visited me in Texas. She packed all the books the boys had used in a box, intending to take them to New Jersey. On the day of her departure, she couldn’t take a quarter of the load — she had forgotten that books have weight! By the way, she asked me to keep them for her next visit, soMaa, we are expecting your next visit — the books are still here for you. Maa is so forgiving. When I decided to sue my ex-husband, Maa advised me not to. I disagreed with her and explained why. This strengthened my relationship withMaa because she listened to my concerns, and we were able to hash it out. MaaMonica is also prayerful, humble, and generous. Thank you for empowering me. Happy 80th Birthday to an extraordinary mother from Heaven! Your wisdom, guidance, thoughtfulness, and unwavering support have made a significant impact and remain a cornerstone in my personal life and my entire family’s life. Linda Amoo-Asante The Birthday Journal 97
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