various reasons, but you didn’t complain. We thought you were going to do engineering like your dad, but you opted for psychology - that was a decision you wisely made. We saw your calm, loving, and understanding nature shine. You made lots of friends who trusted you and appreciated your values. You made friends at church and in college. At church, you were a Youth Counselor and traveled to different camps in the U.S. You were also an acolyte and served at the altar. At school, you joined a group of friends who celebrated Afrocentric culture, grounded in historical principles and values. You studied Afrocentric poetry and literature. Being an African that came from the continent, the group gave you a sense of belonging. It also helped you figure out the challenges of being an immigrant in a foreign country. You loved it when we would go camping as a family. I remember your friends thinking it was a cool thing to do. Joojo, you are a free spirit who just got older with more responsibilities. I’m happy your chosen profession fits your personality. Listening, is one of your best attributes. You will listen so calmly to me talking your head off and not even interrupt. The three of us, Ralph, Cherie and I, can still enjoy the Joojo we know when we are together. You rolling over with laughter, and everyone falling on the floor having fun. We like the way you sometimes try to speak like your dad - that always put everyone in stitches, even him. I wish your clients get to see that side of you! A son who brings Mom a bottle of wine on his birthday to honor her as his mother. Nii Mantse, it’s been a joy to have you as my son. I can’t tell you the pride I felt as you took charge of things in our time of pain and grief. Ever since your Daddy passed away you have been the de facto leader, a unifier, ensuring that everyone has a voice. Chairing every meeting and making sure we are all on the same page after every discussion. How blessed and happy we are to have you as our leader. You are always very accommodating and that enabled us to work in harmony. 26 The Birthday Journal
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