unexpectedly encountered Stingo, who quickly disappeared. Confused, he rushed inside and questioned you boys, and someone suggested checking the bathroom. When the bathroom light turned on, revealing our cousin, Da suspected something was amiss. Could it have been a thief he saw outside? Upon thinking about it, Da decided that the boys were up to something, so he went back to them after his jog and tried to bribe them into confessing. Eventually, someone confessed the truth. The boys had sneaked out to a disco the night before and returned home by scaling the wall. Stingo, the last one in, had panicked at the sight of Da and jumped back over the wall, only to sneak back in later. What joy Da felt when he realized he wasn’t losing his mind but simply dealing with a mischievous household.” Kwaw grins, “Wow, Monica! You have such a good memory! Your confidence was something else. And no matter what, you always stood up for what you believed in. Even though you had your moments, like being on the other side of the fence with a different perspective, you were always there for us.” Bro Yaw reflects, “Your journey has been remarkable, Monica. You’ve faced so many challenges, yet you’ve come through with strength and grace, adjusting to your new life in Canada and rising through the ranks as a civil engineer to a General Manager. I remember how proud I was when you bought that borehole drilling machine for our home. It’s just one example of your commitment to making things better for all of us.” Anita adds softly, “Ayah, your kindness and generosity have been a beacon for us all. And as your only sister, you’ve been my role model. You always had such a positive outlook and unyielding faith. Your ability to bring us together, even from afar, is something I truly admire.” Kwaw nods, “And your marriage hasn’t changed the bond we share. You’re always so mindful, and you maintain your beliefs and values while raising your family. It’s something I respect deeply.” Kojo smiles, “Remember that trip to South Africa? It was one of the best times we had together. Just being out there with you was simply amazing.” As each sibling shares their memories and reflections, I laugh and smile, my eyes sparkling with joy. The room is filled with warmth, love, and the enduring bond of family. Ma joins us to announce that food is served. She comments, “Eeiiiii Monica, let’s go eat now. You always talked too much! And you still do!” Most importantly, Ma is so grateful to God for gifting her with these amazing children as her personal squad! The Birthday Journal 9
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